Hinahina: A Rare Hawaiian Native Geranium Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and conservation gardening, you’ve probably heard whispers about hinahina (Geranium cuneatum). This enchanting native geranium is one of Hawaii’s botanical treasures, though it’s becoming increasingly rare in the wild. Let’s dive into what makes this plant special and whether it might have a place in your garden.
What Exactly is Hinahina?
Hinahina is a perennial shrub that’s entirely native to the Hawaiian Islands. Unlike its common garden geranium cousins, this woody beauty typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. It’s got that classic geranium charm with delicate flowers and distinctive palmate leaves, but it’s perfectly adapted to Hawaii’s unique climate and ecosystems.
Where Does Hinahina Call Home?
This special plant is found exclusively in Hawaii, making it a true endemic species. You’ll typically find hinahina growing naturally in dry to moderately moist forests throughout the Hawaiian Islands, where it plays an important role in the native ecosystem.
The Conservation Reality Check
Here’s where things get serious: hinahina has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which means it’s considered vulnerable. This classification indicates that the species is at risk due to its rarity and limited distribution. With typically only 21 to 100 known occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining, this isn’t a plant you’ll find at your local nursery.
Should You Grow Hinahina?
The short answer is: maybe, but only under the right circumstances. If you’re committed to native Hawaiian conservation and can source plants responsibly, hinahina could be a meaningful addition to a native restoration project. However, this isn’t a plant for casual gardening.
Consider hinahina if you:
- Are involved in native Hawaiian ecosystem restoration
- Have experience with rare native plants
- Can source plants from reputable conservation nurseries
- Live in USDA hardiness zones 10-12
- Have appropriate growing conditions (dry to moderate moisture, well-draining soil)
Skip hinahina if you:
- Want a low-maintenance garden plant
- Are new to native gardening
- Can’t guarantee responsible sourcing
- Live outside tropical/subtropical zones
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow hinahina, you’ll need to replicate its natural habitat as closely as possible. This means providing well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. The plant thrives in dry to moderately moist conditions, making it suitable for xerophytic or drought-tolerant garden designs.
Given its shrubby nature, hinahina works well as an understory plant in native Hawaiian forest gardens or as part of a mixed native shrub planting. Its delicate flowers can provide nectar for native Hawaiian pollinators, though specific pollinator relationships aren’t well-documented.
The Responsible Choice
While hinahina is undoubtedly beautiful and ecologically valuable, its rarity means that cultivation should be approached with conservation in mind. If you’re interested in this plant, connect with native Hawaiian plant societies, botanical gardens, or conservation organizations that might have ethically propagated specimens.
For most gardeners interested in native geraniums, consider looking into other native species that are more readily available and less vulnerable. The goal should always be to support conservation efforts rather than potentially harm wild populations.
Hinahina represents the delicate beauty of Hawaii’s native flora and the urgent need for conservation. Whether or not it finds a place in your garden, it deserves our respect and protection for future generations to appreciate.
