‘Ihi Makole: A Rare Hawaiian Treasure That’s Better Left in the Wild
If you’re drawn to unique Hawaiian plants, you might have stumbled across ‘ihi makole (Portulaca sclerocarpa) in your research. But before you start planning where to plant this intriguing native, there’s something important you need to know – this little beauty is fighting for survival and deserves our protection more than our cultivation attempts.
What Makes ‘Ihi Makole Special
‘Ihi makole is a perennial forb – think of it as a hardy herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this Hawaiian native stays relatively soft and green, lacking the thick, woody stems that characterize larger plants. It’s part of the diverse tapestry of plants that makes Hawaii’s native ecosystems so unique and irreplaceable.
Where You’ll Find This Rare Gem
This plant calls only Hawaii home, making it a true Hawaiian endemic. You won’t find ‘ihi makole growing naturally anywhere else on Earth – not in California, not in Florida, nowhere but the Hawaiian Islands. This exclusive geographic range is part of what makes it so special, and so vulnerable.
The Reality Check: Why You Shouldn’t Plant ‘Ihi Makole
Here’s where things get serious, folks. ‘Ihi makole isn’t just rare – it’s endangered. With a conservation status of S2 (Imperiled) and listed as Endangered in the United States, this plant is teetering on the brink. There are typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences of plants with this status, with somewhere between 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining in the wild.
What does this mean for gardeners? Simply put, ‘ihi makole belongs in conservation programs and protected habitats, not in home gardens. Even with the best intentions, cultivating endangered species without proper permits and expertise can actually harm conservation efforts.
Growing Conditions in the Wild
‘Ihi makole is classified as Facultative Upland in Hawaii, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but might occasionally pop up in wetter spots. Beyond this basic preference for drier conditions, detailed growing requirements aren’t well-documented – another sign that this plant isn’t meant for casual cultivation.
Better Alternatives for Your Hawaiian-Inspired Garden
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants (and we love that enthusiasm!), there are other wonderful options that won’t contribute to the decline of endangered species. Consider these alternatives:
- Other Portulaca species that are more common and garden-appropriate
- Native Hawaiian plants with stable populations that can be ethically sourced
- Consulting with local native plant societies for guidance on conservation-friendly gardening
How You Can Really Help
Want to make a difference for ‘ihi makole? Skip the home cultivation and support conservation instead:
- Donate to Hawaiian plant conservation organizations
- Volunteer for habitat restoration projects
- Spread awareness about endangered Hawaiian plants
- Choose abundant native alternatives for your garden
Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for a plant is to admire it from afar and let the experts handle its care. ‘Ihi makole is one of those plants – a rare treasure that’s better served by our respect and conservation support than by our gardening ambitions.
