Haha (Cyanea magnicalyx): A Critically Endangered Hawaiian Treasure
Meet the haha, one of Hawaii’s most endangered native plants that’s as rare as its quirky common name suggests. This remarkable member of the bellflower family represents both the incredible biodiversity of Hawaiian forests and the urgent conservation challenges facing island ecosystems today.
What Makes Haha Special?
Cyanea magnicalyx, known locally as haha, is a perennial shrub that’s exclusively native to Hawaii. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically grows 13 to 16 feet tall, making it a substantial presence in its native wet forest habitat. As a member of the Campanulaceae (bellflower) family, it produces distinctive tubular flowers that have co-evolved with Hawaii’s native birds.
Where Does Haha Grow?
You’ll find haha only in the Hawaiian Islands, where it once thrived in the cool, moist forests of higher elevations. Today, this endemic species clings to existence in just a handful of locations across the state.
A Plant in Crisis
Important Conservation Alert: Haha has a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. With typically 5 or fewer occurrences and fewer than 1,000 remaining individuals in the wild, this species is classified as Endangered in the United States. This isn’t a plant for casual gardening—it’s a conservation priority that requires our protection and respect.
Should You Grow Haha in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: most gardeners should not attempt to grow haha. This isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about conservation ethics and practical reality. Here’s why:
- Extreme rarity: Every wild plant is precious to the species’ survival
- Specialized needs: Haha requires very specific cool, moist, shaded forest conditions that are nearly impossible to replicate in typical gardens
- Cultural sensitivity: As a sacred Hawaiian endemic, it deserves respectful treatment
- Legal considerations: Collection from the wild may be restricted or prohibited
If You’re Committed to Conservation
For botanical gardens, research institutions, or serious conservation gardeners with proper facilities, here’s what haha needs:
Growing Conditions
- Climate: USDA zones 10-11 only, with very specific microclimate requirements
- Light: Filtered shade mimicking forest understory conditions
- Moisture: Consistently moist (never waterlogged) soil and high humidity
- Temperature: Cool, stable temperatures typical of Hawaiian cloud forests
- Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich soil with excellent aeration
Responsible Sourcing
If you have the expertise and facilities to contribute to haha conservation, work only with:
- Certified native plant nurseries
- Botanical institutions with propagation programs
- Hawaiian conservation organizations
- Seed from ethical, permitted collection programs
Never collect from wild populations. Each plant in the wild is irreplaceable.
Supporting Haha Conservation
Instead of trying to grow this rare beauty, consider these meaningful ways to support haha conservation:
- Donate to Hawaiian native plant conservation organizations
- Support habitat restoration projects in Hawaii
- Choose other Hawaiian natives that are less imperiled for your garden
- Visit botanical gardens that maintain conservation collections
- Spread awareness about Hawaiian plant conservation
The Bigger Picture
Haha’s story reflects the broader challenges facing Hawaii’s native flora. With its specialized habitat requirements and critically small population, this species reminds us that not every plant is meant for our gardens—some are meant to inspire our conservation efforts instead.
While we may admire haha from afar, we can channel our gardening passion into growing other Hawaiian natives that are more abundant and suitable for cultivation. In doing so, we honor the haha and support the incredible diversity of Hawaii’s native plant communities.
Sometimes the greatest act of plant love is knowing when to leave a rare species to the experts and focus our home gardening efforts on plants that truly benefit from our care.
