‘Ihi: Hawaii’s Critically Endangered Native Treasure
Meet ‘ihi (Portulaca molokiniensis), one of Hawaii’s most precious and endangered native plants. This little-known member of the purslane family holds a special place in Hawaiian ecosystems, but it’s also one that gardeners need to approach with extreme care and respect.
What Makes ‘Ihi Special?
‘Ihi is a perennial forb, meaning it’s a soft-stemmed herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Like other members of the Portulaca family, it likely features succulent-like characteristics that help it thrive in Hawaii’s unique volcanic environments. However, what truly sets this plant apart isn’t its appearance—it’s its incredibly rare status.
Where Does ‘Ihi Call Home?
This remarkable plant is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth. ‘Ihi has adapted specifically to the Hawaiian Islands’ unique conditions over thousands of years, making it a true island treasure.
A Critical Conservation Concern
Important Alert: ‘Ihi carries a Global Conservation Status of S1, which means it’s critically imperiled. This classification indicates that there are typically only 5 or fewer known occurrences of this plant in the wild, with fewer than 1,000 individual plants remaining. This makes ‘ihi one of Hawaii’s most endangered plant species.
Should You Grow ‘Ihi in Your Garden?
Here’s where we need to have a serious conversation. While ‘ihi is undoubtedly a fascinating native Hawaiian plant, its critically endangered status means that cultivation should be left to professional conservation efforts and botanical institutions. Here’s why:
- Wild collection could further threaten the few remaining populations
- The plant likely requires very specific growing conditions that are difficult to replicate
- Seeds or plants should only be obtained through legitimate conservation programs
- Unauthorized cultivation could potentially harm conservation efforts
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for ‘ihi aren’t well-documented due to its rarity, we can infer from its native habitat that it likely requires:
- Well-draining, volcanic soil conditions
- Full sun exposure
- Minimal water requirements (drought-tolerant)
- Warm temperatures year-round (USDA zones 10-12)
- Protection from invasive species competition
Alternative Native Hawaiian Plants
If you’re interested in supporting Hawaiian native plants in your landscape, consider these more readily available alternatives:
- Other native Portulaca species that are less endangered
- Hawaiian native sedums
- Native Hawaiian grasses and shrubs
- Consult local native plant societies for appropriate alternatives
How You Can Help
Instead of trying to grow ‘ihi yourself, here are meaningful ways to support this endangered species:
- Donate to Hawaiian native plant conservation organizations
- Support habitat restoration projects
- Choose other native Hawaiian plants for your garden
- Spread awareness about endangered Hawaiian flora
- Never collect plants from the wild
The Bottom Line
‘Ihi represents the incredible biodiversity that makes Hawaii’s flora so special, but it also reminds us of how fragile these ecosystems can be. While we can’t recommend growing this critically endangered plant in home gardens, we can all play a role in protecting it by supporting conservation efforts and choosing sustainable gardening practices.
Remember, the best way to honor rare native plants like ‘ihi is to ensure they survive and thrive in their natural habitats for future generations to appreciate and study.
