Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai)

Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) green plant with glossy leaves filling the frame
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) shrub with dense thick green leaves during the day

Botanical names: Scaevola taccada, Scaevola sericea

Common names: Naupaka kahakai, Sea Lettuce, Beach Plum, Beach Grape, Half Flower

Family: Goodeniaceae

Origin: the coasts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant form: Large bush
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Flood tolerant plantFlood tolerance: High
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.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

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.

Similar plants: Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai)


Image gallery: 13 images
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white flower and green fruit in a close up
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) with distinctive half-moon white flower petals and round green fruit
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white flower and thick glossy green leaves close up
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) with small white flowers amidst wide glossy green leaves and foliage.
Scaevola taccada with white flowers and broad green leaves on a woody branch
Scaevola taccada branch with delicate white flowers nestled among thick green leaves
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) green leaves plant with small white flowers on branches
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) showing thick green leaves along with small white star-shaped flowers
Scaevola taccada white flower close up with green leaves and round buds
Scaevola taccada white flower blooming near green foliage and small round buds
Scaevola taccada white fruit cluster close up on a green leafy branch
Scaevola taccada cluster of small white fruit dangling on a green stem
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white flower close up on green leaves with stems visible
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) flower with unique white petals and thick green foliage on stems
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white fruit with smooth green leaves on a close up branch.
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) showing round white fruit attached to thick stems and broad green leaves.
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white fruit on a green branch in a close up
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) showing round white fruit nestled among smooth green leaves on stems
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white flower and round white fruit with green leaves close up
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white flower and round white fruit nestled among smooth green oval leaves
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) green fruit and small white flower in a close up view.
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) green fruit clusters sit among broad foliage with one white flower.
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) white flower close up with subtle purple lines on petals
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) flower with unique white petals and light purple venation
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) plant with round white fruit, green leaves, close up view.
Scaevola taccada (Naupaka kahakai) branches loaded with many small white fruit and thick green leaves.


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