TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Scaevola taccada, Scaevola sericea

Naupaka kahakai, Sea Lettuce, Beach Plum, Beach Grape, Half Flower
Family: Goodeniaceae
Origin: the coasts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans
Large shrub 5-10 ft tall

Ethnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

This large shrub or small tree is a useful addition to seaside gardens since it tolerates very dry conditions and strong, salty winds. It is freely branching, often sprawling, and has fleshy, pale green leaves. The small, five-lobed white flowers appear on only one side of the corolla tube, leading to another popular name, "half flower". Its oval berries float for long periods, giving widespread distribution. Scaevola likes full sun and sandy soil but tolerates other conditions. Established plants are very drought tolerant. Very salt tolerant.

It is propagated by seeds or by terminal cuttings.

The white fruit is a fleshy drupe, 10 - 15mm in diameter. Young leaves - cooked as a potherb.

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