Devils Slide Schiedea: A Precious Hawaiian Endemic in Need of Protection
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and conservation, you may have heard whispers about the Devils Slide schiedea (Schiedea verticillata). This remarkable little plant carries a big responsibility – it’s one of Hawaii’s most critically endangered native species, making it more of a conservation priority than a casual garden addition.
What Makes Devils Slide Schiedea Special?
Devils Slide schiedea is a perennial forb, which simply means it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without developing woody stems like trees or shrubs. As a member of Hawaii’s unique native flora, this plant represents thousands of years of isolated evolution in one of the world’s most remote island chains.
This species is found exclusively in Hawaii, making it what botanists call an endemic – a plant that exists nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, its distribution is now limited to just a handful of locations across the Hawaiian islands.
The Conservation Reality
Here’s where things get serious: Devils Slide schiedea has a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. With typically fewer than 5 occurrences and less than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild, this plant is officially listed as Endangered. This isn’t just a number on a list – it means this species is hanging on by a thread.
Should You Grow Devils Slide Schiedea?
The short answer is: proceed with extreme caution and only if you’re committed to conservation. If you’re considering adding this plant to your garden, you absolutely must ensure any plant material comes from responsible, legal sources that support conservation efforts rather than depleting wild populations.
Consider these factors:
- This plant requires specialized knowledge and care
- It’s adapted to very specific Hawaiian growing conditions
- Unsuccessful cultivation could mean losing irreplaceable genetic material
- It’s better suited for dedicated conservation gardens than casual landscaping
Growing Conditions and Care
Devils Slide schiedea evolved in Hawaii’s unique climate, which means it’s adapted to tropical conditions found in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. The specific growing requirements for this rare species aren’t well-documented in typical gardening resources, which is another indicator that this plant needs specialized attention.
If you’re serious about growing this species, your best bet is connecting with Hawaiian native plant societies, botanical gardens, or conservation organizations that can provide guidance on proper cultivation techniques and legal sourcing.
A Better Alternative for Most Gardeners
Unless you’re involved in formal conservation efforts, consider supporting Hawaii’s native plant diversity by growing other endemic Hawaiian species that are more readily available and less critically endangered. Many beautiful Hawaiian natives can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
Supporting Conservation
The best way most of us can help Devils Slide schiedea is by supporting organizations working to protect Hawaii’s remaining natural habitats and funding research into propagation and restoration of endangered species. Sometimes the most responsible thing we can do as gardeners is to appreciate a plant’s beauty and importance without bringing it into our own gardens.
Remember: every plant species that goes extinct is gone forever. Devils Slide schiedea represents a unique evolutionary story that took millennia to write – let’s make sure it doesn’t end on our watch.
