Hana Clermontia: A Critically Endangered Hawaiian Treasure Worth Protecting
Meet the Hana clermontia (Clermontia samuelii), one of Hawaii’s most precious and precarious native plants. This remarkable shrub isn’t just rare—it’s hanging on by a thread, with fewer than five known populations left in the wild. Before you fall in love with this Hawaiian beauty, there’s something crucial you need to know about its conservation status.
A Plant on the Brink
The Hana clermontia carries a sobering designation: it’s listed as Endangered under federal protection and has a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. With typically fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in existence, this perennial shrub represents one of nature’s most vulnerable success stories. Its rarity makes it both incredibly special and incredibly fragile.
Where in the World?
This endemic Hawaiian species calls only one place home: the lush, mountainous regions around Hana on the island of Maui. You won’t find Hana clermontia growing naturally anywhere else on Earth, making it a true island treasure. Its entire existence is tied to the specific climate and conditions of Hawaii’s montane forests.
What Makes It Special
Hana clermontia is a multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows 13 to 16 feet tall, though it can occasionally reach greater heights under ideal conditions. As a member of the bellflower family, it produces small, tubular flowers that evolved specifically to attract Hawaii’s native honeycreeper birds. The plant’s perennial nature means it can live for many years when properly established, making it a long-term investment in conservation.
Should You Grow Hana Clermontia?
Here’s where things get complicated. While we absolutely encourage supporting native Hawaiian plants, the Hana clermontia’s critically endangered status means this isn’t a casual gardening choice. If you’re considering adding this species to your landscape, you must—and we cannot stress this enough—only obtain plants from reputable, licensed sources that practice responsible propagation.
Important considerations:
- Only purchase from certified native plant nurseries or conservation organizations
- Never collect seeds or cuttings from wild populations
- Understand that you’re participating in crucial conservation efforts
- Be prepared for specialized growing requirements
Growing Conditions and Care
Hana clermontia isn’t your typical backyard shrub—it has very specific needs that mirror its native montane forest habitat. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, requiring consistently cool, moist conditions that can be challenging to replicate outside its natural range.
The species has a facultative wetland status in Hawaii, meaning it can tolerate both wetland and non-wetland conditions, but it generally prefers well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Think of it as wanting the Goldilocks treatment—not too wet, not too dry, but just right.
The Perfect Garden Setting
If you’re lucky enough to garden in Hawaii’s suitable climate zones, Hana clermontia works best in specialized native Hawaiian gardens or conservation-focused landscapes. It’s not a plant for formal hedging or mass plantings—instead, treat it as a specimen plant that serves as both a conversation piece and a living symbol of conservation success.
Consider pairing it with other native Hawaiian species to create an authentic island ecosystem in your garden. The shrub’s moderate size makes it suitable for medium-sized landscapes where it can be given the attention and care it deserves.
A Living Legacy
Growing Hana clermontia isn’t just about adding another plant to your garden—it’s about participating in the preservation of Hawaii’s unique natural heritage. Every responsibly grown plant represents hope for this species’ survival and a commitment to protecting what makes Hawaii’s ecosystems so special.
While this remarkable shrub may not be the easiest choice for most gardeners, those who can provide the right conditions and source plants responsibly will be rewarded with the knowledge that they’re helping preserve one of nature’s rarest treasures. Sometimes, the most meaningful gardening choices aren’t about what looks prettiest, but about what matters most for our planet’s future.
