KōLea Lau Nui

myrsine lessertiana

Kōlea lau nui (Myrsine lessertiana) is an impressive and ecologically important tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, thriving in the archipelago's mesic and wet forests. Translating to 'large-leafed kōlea' in the Hawaiian language, this resilient species is instantly recognizable by its striking clusters of purplish-black berries that grow directly along its woody stems. Historically, it held immense cultural significance for Native Hawaiians, who utilized its robust timber for constructing house posts and extracted its vivid red sap to dye kapa (barkcloth). Today, it remains a vital component of Hawaii's native forest ecosystems, providing critical shelter and sustenance for endemic bird and insect species. Despite the pervasive threats posed by invasive flora and fauna, the kōlea lau nui continues to stand as a beautiful testament to the unique botanical heritage of Hawaii.

Habitat: Found in mesic to wet montane forests and subalpine shrublands across the major Hawaiian islands, often establishing in well-drained volcanic soils.

Appearance

This evergreen tree or large shrub typically reaches heights of 3 to 15 meters. It is characterized by its large, thick, and leathery leaves that often display a reddish or purplish tint when young, maturing into a glossy dark green. The bark is relatively smooth and pale, often exuding a distinctive red sap when cut. Kōlea lau nui produces small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers that give way to dense, striking clusters of fleshy, round fruits along the branches just below the leaves. These berries transition from a bright green or pinkish hue to a deep purplish-black as they ripen.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPrimulaceaeGenusMyrsine

Photo: Kevin FaccendaCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalistView original ↗

KōLea Lau Nui

Interesting facts

Because it produces fruit directly on its woody branches, a botanical trait called cauliflory, it can support heavier crops of berries for native birds to feast upon.

Historically, Native Hawaiians extracted the distinct red sap from its bark to create a vibrant dye for decorating kapa (traditional barkcloth).

Its dense and durable wood was highly valued in ancient Hawaii for constructing sturdy posts in traditional hale (houses).

The Hawaiian name 'Kōlea lau nui' literally translates to 'large-leafed kōlea,' distinguishing it from other closely related native tree species.

Special abilities

It produces flowers and fruits directly along its woody stems and branches, allowing heavier fruit clusters to be supported and easily accessed by foraging birds.

The tree secretes a distinctive pink or red sap when injured, which acts as a defense mechanism against pathogens and was historically utilized as a natural dye.

Its deep root system and sturdy, dense wood allow it to withstand the strong trade winds frequently experienced in Hawaiian montane environments.

Measurements & details

Length: 300-1500 cm
Lifespan: 50-150 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotroph, it produces its own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Age differences: Seedlings require partial shade to establish before needing full canopy sunlight to reach maturity.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Soil nutrients
Carbon dioxide

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Omao

Myadestes obscurus

Endemic thrushes feed on its fleshy berries and help disperse the seeds across the forest.

Competitor

Feral Pig

Sus scrofa

Invasive feral pigs uproot the soil, destroying seedlings and altering the native forest composition.

Host plant

Hawaiian Leafhopper

Nesophrosyne spp.

Provides a host environment and nutrients for various native Hawaiian insects, such as endemic leafhoppers.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify KōLea Lau Nui?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is KōLea Lau Nui?

300-1500 cm

How long does KōLea Lau Nui live?

50-150 years

What does KōLea Lau Nui eat?

As a photoautotroph, it produces its own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Where is KōLea Lau Nui usually found?

Found in mesic to wet montane forests and subalpine shrublands across the major Hawaiian islands, often establishing in well-drained volcanic soils.

How does KōLea Lau Nui hunt?

Photosynthesis