Leptecophylla tameiameiae
| Pukiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Leptecophylla tameiameiae |
| Common names | Pukiawe; pukeawe |
| Genus | Leptecophylla |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Order | Ericales |
Pukiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) is a Hawaiian and Marquesan shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae.[1][2] It is recorded under the common names pukiawe and pukeawe.[2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The growth form is variable, ranging from a low, spreading shrub to a small tree about 15 feet tall.[2] Flowers may be perfect or unisexual, so flower sexuality can vary among plants.[2]
The fruit is a round drupe about 1/4 inch across. Recorded colors include red, pink, and white; the flesh is described as red-orange and contains 5–8 seeds.[2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
During seed establishment, keep the sowing medium moist under the shaded conditions used in the propagation procedure.[2] This is establishment guidance rather than a fixed landscape-soil prescription.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Use shade during germination and acclimatize seedlings after emergence before moving them into their growing position.[2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
For seed work, a warm treatment phase may be important because a study of this species addresses release of deep physiological dormancy at high temperatures.[3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Remove fruit pulp before sowing. The propagation procedure describes alternative vinegar/hot-water treatment or room-temperature soaking, followed by shaded sowing with managed moisture and acclimatization after emergence.[2] Treated seed is reported to germinate over roughly one to six months, with about 50% germination.[2]
A separate 2005 study focuses on deep physiological dormancy in the multi-seeded drupes and its release at high temperatures.[3] The propagation account also suggests a 12-inch air-layering route; treat this as an experimental option rather than an established production method.[2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Flowering plants may have perfect or unisexual flowers.[2] The resulting drupes are described as round and about 1/4 inch across, with red, pink, or white coloration, red-orange flesh, and 5–8 seeds.[2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
Pukiawe produces small, multi-seeded drupes whose recorded exterior colors range from red to pink or white.[2] Fruit color and flesh description alone do not establish edibility or safe human use; do not treat this species as a food crop without separate species-specific safety confirmation.