SafePlants

Koolau Range Papala: A Botanical Overview

This page provides information about the Charpentiera ovata, commonly known as the Koolau Range Papala.

Considerations for Children

• The text notes a "Safe Plant Rating: Is Koolau Range Papala safe for children? No". This could potentially indicate aspects of the plant that might not be suitable for children, such as potential irritants or toxic components. Please note that this is not a definitive assessment.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Charpentiera ovata Gaudich.
• Common Name: Koolau Range Papala
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Rank: Species
• Nomencl. Ref.: Voy. Uranie, Bot. 444, t. 47. 1829 28 Nov 1829
• Synonyms/Related Names: Charpentiera obovata Gaudich. (Related ITIS Name)
• Varieties:
  • Charpentiera ovata var. ovata
  • Charpentiera ovata var. niuensis Sohmer

Distribution and Habitat

• The Koolau Range Papala is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
• Specifically, it is found on O'ahu, within the Ko'olau range.
• It is also mentioned in connection with K?pukapua?ula on Hawai?i Island and Papala Valley on Lanai, near Maunalei Valley.
• The plant is found in riparian forests, grading from mesic areas into lowland wet ??hi?a forest.

Morphological Characteristics

• The Koolau Range Papala is described as a tree or shrub.
• It is a perennial plant.
• It has broadleaves (Charpentiera, obovata, broadleaf papala).

Ecological Role

• Mentioned as needing Preen Weed Control Landscape Fabric.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is associated with the "Papala Kepau/Papala (Pisonia/Charpentiera) Riparian Forest."
• It coexists with other plant species such as Neraudia melastomifolia (ma'aloa) and Pisonia umbellifera (papala kepau).

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Charpentiera ovata.
• Weather Underground contains plant profiles for Charpentiera ovata (Koolau Range papala).