Enfolding petals of Hibiscadelphus stellata
After the firestorm at the mouth of Kauaʻula, we recalled an understated mention of a new plant species in Hawaiʻi. One with recognizable pua, but distinct from the rest. As Lahaina and adjacent areas build anew, we pray that sufficient attention is paid to the rarest of the rare.
Ke awāwa o Kauaʻula (the valley of Kauaʻula on Maui), named for the destructive wind at Lahaina, is home to an endangered endemic species of an endangered endemic genus. I know. Kinda confusing. Hau kuahiwi (Hibisdadelphus) is a genus, a related group of plants, endemic to (found only in) Hawaiʻi. In that genus are eight species. Four are extinct; lost forever. Two are planted in protected areas on Hawaiʻi (Moku o Keawe). One species survives in the canyon of Waimea on Kauaʻi, besieged by goats and invasive plants and pests.
The good news is that in 2012, an eighth species, Hibiscadelphus stellata was discovered in Kauaʻula! The bad news is that it seems to favor steep rocky slopes, and its companions are invasive Christmasberry, silver oak, and other ʻino loa (very bad) things. Very very sad.
It’s likely that the bark of hau kuahiwi was used to dye fishnets, as was the bark of its cousin kokiʻo. Its wai pua (nectar) supplies our remaining curved-bill manu (birds) lots of nourishment.
“Ohi aku ka pō a koe kēia.”
The night has taken all but this one. All are dead, this is the only survivor. – ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 2361
