Kauai Colicwood: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Preserving
Meet the Kauai colicwood (Myrsine kauaiensis), a charming little shrub that’s as special as it is scarce. This Hawaiian native is like that quiet friend who doesn’t demand attention but brings something genuinely valuable to the group – in this case, your native garden.
What Makes Kauai Colicwood Special
The Kauai colicwood is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Think of it as nature’s way of creating the perfect understory companion – not too tall, not too short, just right for filling in those middle layers of a native Hawaiian landscape.
This evergreen beauty sports simple, alternate leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually give way to small dark berries. While it won’t win any showiest plant contests, its neat, compact form and authentic Hawaiian character make it a treasure for native plant enthusiasts.
Where Does It Call Home
Here’s where things get exclusive – Kauai colicwood is found only on the Hawaiian island of KauaÊ»i, making it what botanists call endemic. It naturally grows in Hawaii’s mesic to wet forests, where it enjoys the dappled light and consistent moisture of the forest understory.
Important Conservation Note
Before you get too excited about adding this plant to your garden, there’s something crucial you need to know: Kauai colicwood has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered Vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals in the wild, this little shrub is fighting for survival.
What does this mean for you as a gardener? If you’re interested in growing Kauai colicwood, please only use responsibly sourced material from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs. Never collect from the wild – every plant in its natural habitat is precious.
Growing Kauai Colicwood Successfully
If you’re lucky enough to obtain responsibly sourced Kauai colicwood, here’s how to keep it happy:
Perfect Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full shade (it’s used to forest life, after all)
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Humidity: High humidity levels – think tropical forest vibes
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10-12 only
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in a protected location away from strong winds
- Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Be patient – native Hawaiian plants often grow slowly but steadily
Garden Design Ideas
Kauai colicwood shines in native Hawaiian gardens and restoration projects. Use it as an understory shrub beneath taller native trees, or plant it on slopes where its root system can help with erosion control. It’s particularly suited for shade gardens that celebrate Hawaii’s unique flora.
The plant has a Facultative wetland status, meaning it can handle both wetland and non-wetland conditions – making it fairly adaptable within its preferred growing environment.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While not the flashiest pollinator magnet, Kauai colicwood’s small flowers may attract native Hawaiian insects. Its berries could potentially provide food for native birds, though more research is needed to fully understand its wildlife relationships.
The Bottom Line
Should you plant Kauai colicwood? If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants, have the right growing conditions, and can source it responsibly, absolutely. You’ll be participating in the conservation of a vulnerable species while adding authentic Hawaiian character to your landscape.
Just remember – with great plants comes great responsibility. By choosing to grow rare natives like Kauai colicwood, you become part of a conservation story that’s much bigger than your garden. And honestly, that’s pretty special.
