Grayleaf Lobelia: A Rare Hawaiian Native That May Be Gone Forever
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants, you may have come across the name grayleaf lobelia (Lobelia remyi) in your research. But before you start planning where to plant this Hawaiian endemic, there’s something crucial you need to know about this elusive species.
A Plant on the Edge of Existence
Grayleaf lobelia holds the sobering distinction of having a Global Conservation Status of SH, which stands for Possibly Extirpated. In plain terms, this means the plant is known only from historical records, and there’s just a glimmer of hope that it might still exist somewhere in the wild. This isn’t a plant you’ll find at your local nursery – in fact, it may no longer exist anywhere on Earth.
Where Grayleaf Lobelia Once Called Home
This perennial forb was endemic to Hawaii, meaning it evolved there and existed nowhere else in the world. Like many of Hawaii’s unique plant species, Lobelia remyi was perfectly adapted to specific Hawaiian ecosystems that have since been dramatically altered by human activity and invasive species.
What We Know About This Mysterious Plant
Grayleaf lobelia was classified as a forb – essentially an herbaceous flowering plant without woody stems. As a perennial, it would have returned year after year, likely playing a small but important role in Hawaii’s native plant communities. Beyond these basic characteristics, much about this plant remains a mystery due to its extreme rarity and possible extinction.
Should You Try to Grow Grayleaf Lobelia?
Here’s where things get complicated. While we always encourage growing native plants, Lobelia remyi presents a unique ethical dilemma:
- The plant may already be extinct, making cultivation impossible
- If any specimens still exist, they would be extraordinarily precious for conservation efforts
- Any seeds or plants would need to come from legitimate conservation programs
- Growing conditions, care requirements, and propagation methods are largely unknown
A Better Path Forward
Instead of searching for the possibly extinct grayleaf lobelia, consider supporting Hawaiian plant conservation by growing other native Hawaiian species that are still available and well-established in cultivation. Many beautiful Hawaiian natives can thrive in appropriate climates and contribute to conservation efforts.
If you’re specifically drawn to the lobelia family, look into other Hawaiian lobelias that conservation organizations are actively working to preserve and propagate. These efforts help maintain genetic diversity and provide backup populations for species at risk.
Supporting Conservation
The story of grayleaf lobelia serves as a poignant reminder of what we stand to lose when native ecosystems are disrupted. While we may not be able to grow this particular species in our gardens, we can:
- Support Hawaiian plant conservation organizations
- Choose native plants that are sustainably sourced
- Learn about and protect remaining native habitats
- Share the stories of rare and extinct plants to raise awareness
Sometimes the most important thing we can do for a rare plant is to remember it existed and work to prevent other species from following the same path toward extinction.
