Hawai’i Korthal Mistletoe: A Rare Hawaiian Endemic Worth Protecting
Meet Hawai’i korthal mistletoe (Korthalsella cylindrica), one of Hawaii’s most intriguing yet least-known native plants. This isn’t your typical garden center find – in fact, you won’t find it at any garden center at all! This unique Hawaiian endemic is a parasitic mistletoe that plays a fascinating role in the islands’ native ecosystems, though it’s becoming increasingly rare.
What Makes This Plant Special
Hawai’i korthal mistletoe is a perennial shrub with a twist – it’s what botanists call a hemiparasite. Rather than growing in soil like most plants, it attaches itself to the branches of native Hawaiian trees, drawing water and nutrients from its host while still performing some photosynthesis on its own. The plant features small, segmented, cylindrical green stems that create an almost succulent-like appearance, though it’s quite different from true succulents.
Where You’ll Find It (If You’re Lucky)
This mistletoe is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth. Currently, you can only find it growing naturally in Hawaii, where it quietly goes about its business attached to native tree species.
A Plant in Need of Protection
Here’s where things get serious: Hawai’i korthal mistletoe has a Global Conservation Status of S3, classifying it as Vulnerable. This means the species is at risk due to its rarity and limited range. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining, every single plant matters for the species’ survival.
Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Grow It
Unlike most plants we feature on this site, Hawai’i korthal mistletoe isn’t something you can add to your garden wishlist. Here’s why:
- It’s a parasitic plant that requires specific native Hawaiian host trees to survive
- It cannot be grown in typical garden soil or containers
- Its rarity status makes collection from the wild both environmentally harmful and likely illegal
- It’s adapted to Hawaii’s unique tropical climate (USDA zones 10-11) and specific elevation ranges
How to Support This Rare Species
While you can’t grow Hawai’i korthal mistletoe in your backyard, you can still support its conservation:
- Support organizations working to preserve Hawaiian native forests
- If you live in Hawaii, consider planting native Hawaiian trees that could serve as potential host plants
- Practice responsible ecotourism if you visit Hawaii – observe but don’t disturb native plants
- Spread awareness about Hawaii’s unique endemic species
The Bigger Picture
Hawai’i korthal mistletoe represents the incredible biodiversity that evolved in isolation on the Hawaiian Islands. While it may not be the showiest plant or one you can grow at home, it’s a reminder of the intricate relationships that exist in healthy ecosystems. These parasitic mistletoes have co-evolved with their host trees over thousands of years, creating partnerships that we’re still learning to understand.
Sometimes the most important plants are the ones we admire from afar, knowing that their greatest value lies in remaining wild and free in their native habitat. Hawai’i korthal mistletoe is definitely one of those plants – a small but significant piece of Hawaii’s natural heritage that deserves our respect and protection.
