Pōhinahina

Pohinahina, or Vitex rotundifolia, is a sprawling shrub that is indigenous to Hawaii and throughout the Pacific. As a member of the mint family, the leaves smell wonderful when crushed. I like it because it’s a hardy plant and grows in a variety of conditions. I planted one small plant from the nursery in a corner of my yard and it has spread easily to cover a large area in the corner. It sends out horizontal branches and everywhere the nodes of the branches touch the soil, they grow roots. In restoration areas this growth behavior helps stabilize the soil. Itʻs being used more often in local landscaping too, and itʻs always a delight to see a familiar plant in urban settings! Below are some nature journal pages Iʻve made for this plant, along with some photos I’ve taken, plus a video of tracing the shadows one sunny evening.