Pōkalakala

Pōkalakala is the Hawaiian name for Polyscias lallanii, an accepted tree species endemic to Kaua‘i. Kew lists Polyscias racemosa and Munroidendron racemosum among its synonyms. ## Profile Native Plants of Hawai‘i describes a small-to-medium tree reaching about 25 feet, with smooth gray bark and compound leaves whose undersides carry dense silver-to-gold fuzz. The pale yellow flowers have red centers and may appear on long hanging inflorescences; in cultivation, flowering and fruiting can extend from July through February. Summer leaf drop is natural and may occur regardless of watering. The species grows on Kaua‘i in dry-to-mesic forests and rocky slopes, and the profile describes its use as an accent, informal screen or container plant in lowland Hawaiian landscapes. Sources: [Native Plants of Hawai‘i Pōkalakala profile](https://www.nativeplantsofhawaii.org/p/polyscias-lallanii); [Kew accepted taxon and synonyms](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77340277-1); [Kew synonym record for Polyscias racemosa](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77107187-1). ## Maintenance Use the species only where a tropical tree is appropriate, and allow space for its eventual height. In cultivated plants, seasonal leaf drop is a normal part of its growth cycle, so do not respond by changing watering solely because foliage falls in summer. A container is an option when space is limited.