tree heliotrope
other common names: beach heliotrope, messers chmidia, tahinu
scientific name: Tournefortia argentea
family: Boraginaceae (borage family)
natural setting/location: Indian and the Pacific Ocean coastal areas
current status in the wild in Hawai'i: common in coastal areas
propagation
Form: seeds; cuttings 6–12" long (hardened wood or green wood, but green wood is more prone to rot-ting); air layering.
Pre-planting treatment: use medium rooting hormone on cuttings
planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in the medium; insert the base of cutting 2–4" into medium
germination time:2–4 weeks
cutting rooting time:3–6 weeks
preferred Production Conditions
general soil characteristics: sandy, well-drained
soil pH: 6.0–7.5
light: full sun
water: drought tolerant
temperature: 65–95°F
Elevation: 10–50'
salt tolerance: good
wind resistance: good
fertilizer needs medium
recommended spacing: 15' apart
adaptation to growing in containers: not recommended
pruning: prune to keep within picking height and induce branching; do not prune into old wood
special cultural hints: do not overwater
suggested companion plantings: low-growing beach plants.
