Hawai’i Olive: A Rare Native Gem Worth Growing Responsibly
Meet the Hawai’i olive, or as locals call it, olopua – a charming native Hawaiian shrub that’s been quietly holding down the fort in island ecosystems for centuries. With its glossy leaves and olive-like fruits, this little beauty (scientifically known as Nestegis sandwicensis) is like the unsung hero of native Hawaiian landscaping.
What Makes Hawai’i Olive Special?
Don’t let the name fool you – while it’s called an olive, this plant is uniquely Hawaiian through and through. This perennial shrub typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall, though it can sometimes stretch taller or grow as a single-stemmed specimen depending on where it’s planted.
The Hawai’i olive sports attractive, small glossy green leaves that create a dense, appealing canopy. Come flowering time, it produces clusters of small white blooms that eventually give way to dark purple to black olive-like fruits – hence the name!
Where You’ll Find This Island Native
The Hawai’i olive is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, naturally occurring on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island. It’s a true island original that has adapted perfectly to Hawaiian growing conditions over thousands of years.
A Word of Caution: This Plant is Rare
Here’s something important every gardener should know: Hawai’i olive has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which means it’s considered vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences or between 3,000 and 10,000 individuals remaining, this plant is walking a tightrope toward rarity.
If you want to grow Hawai’i olive, please only source it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from ethically collected seeds or cuttings. Never collect from wild populations – we need to protect what’s left out there!
Why Grow Hawai’i Olive?
Despite its rarity (or perhaps because of it), there are compelling reasons to include this native in your Hawaiian landscape:
- Perfect for native gardens: Ideal for authentic Hawaiian landscapes and restoration projects
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it handles dry conditions like a champ
- Wildlife support: The flowers attract native Hawaiian insects and other pollinators
- Versatile landscaping: Works great as screening, foundation planting, or specimen plant
- Low maintenance: Doesn’t demand constant attention once it’s settled in
Growing Conditions and Care
Hawai’i olive is surprisingly adaptable, but like most natives, it has some preferences:
Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, making it perfect for tropical and subtropical areas.
Light: Happiest in full sun to partial shade – pretty flexible on this front.
Soil: The key word here is drainage. This plant absolutely must have well-draining soil. It’s not picky about soil type, but soggy feet will spell trouble.
Water: Water regularly during the establishment period (first year or two), then it becomes quite drought tolerant. Perfect for water-wise gardening!
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your Hawai’i olive off to a good start isn’t rocket science, but a few tips will help ensure success:
- Site preparation: Choose a spot with good drainage – this cannot be overstated
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
- Establishment watering: Keep soil consistently moist (not wet) for the first growing season
- Pruning: Light pruning to maintain shape is all that’s needed
- Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary if planted in decent soil
The Perfect Garden Fit
Hawai’i olive shines in several landscape situations:
- Native Hawaiian and Polynesian-themed gardens
- Xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Coastal gardens (it handles salt spray reasonably well)
- Mixed native shrub borders
- Conservation and restoration plantings
The Bottom Line
Hawai’i olive is a fantastic choice for Hawaiian gardeners who want to support native biodiversity while enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance shrub. Just remember – with great rarity comes great responsibility. Only purchase from ethical sources, and consider yourself a conservation gardener helping to preserve this special piece of Hawaiian natural heritage.
By growing Hawai’i olive responsibly, you’re not just adding beauty to your landscape – you’re participating in the important work of keeping Hawaiian native plants thriving for future generations. And honestly, what’s more rewarding than that?
