About Myrsine linearifolia Hosaka
Myrsine linearifolia Hosaka, commonly called narrowleaf colicwood, is a rare flowering plant in the primrose family. Like other Hawaiian Myrsine species, this plant is also known as kōlea. It is endemic to Hawaii, and only found on the island of Kauai. Today, 12 populations remain, with a total of fewer than 200 individual plants. It is a federally listed threatened species of the United States. This species grows as a shrub or tree that reaches up to 8 meters tall. It has narrow leaves and clusters of flowers that grow along its branches. It inhabits moist and wet areas on mountain ridges. It can be found growing alongside many other local forest plants, including Antidesma platyphyllum (hame), Broussaisia arguta (kanawao), Chamaesyce remyi (akoko), Cheirodendron fauriei (olapa), Cyanea fissa (haha), Cyrtandra pickeringii (haiwale), Dubautia laxa (naenae pua melemele), Embelia pacifica (kilioe), Freycinetia arborea ('i.e. 'i.e.), Kadua affinis (manono), Lobelia kauaiensis (pue), Machaerina angustifolia (uki), Melicope feddei (alani), Melicope waialealae (alani wai), Perrottetia sandwicensis (olomea), Psychotria hexandra (kopiko), Psychotria mariniana (kopiko), Psychotria wawrae (kōpiko), Sphenomeris chinensis (palaa), and Syzygium sandwicensis (ʻŌhiʻa ha).
