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Forest wild coffee facts for kids

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Forest wild coffee
Starr 020925-0087 Psychotria mariniana.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Psychotria
Species:
mariniana
Synonyms
  • Coffea mariniana Cham. & Schltdl.

The Psychotria mariniana, also known as the forest wild coffee or kōpiko, is a special tree. It grows only in Hawaiʻi, meaning it is endemic there. This plant is part of the Rubiaceae family, which is also known as the coffee family.

Discovering the Forest Wild Coffee

This unique tree comes in different sizes. It has dark bark and shiny leaves. When it grows fruit, they are oval-shaped and bright orange.

What Makes Its Leaves Special?

One cool thing about the kōpiko is found on its leaves. Along the bottom of the main vein of each leaf, there is a special line of glands. These glands connect to the Hawaiian name for the plant.

The Meaning of Kōpiko

In the Hawaiian language, the word piko means "navel." This is like the belly button. The line of glands on the leaf looks a bit like a navel. The name kōpiko is used for all the Hawaiian plants that belong to the Psychotria group.

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