Kohala Mountain Clermontia: A Rare Hawaiian Treasure Worth Protecting
Meet the Kohala Mountain clermontia (Clermontia drepanomorpha), one of Hawaii’s most endangered native plants. This remarkable small tree represents both the incredible beauty and heartbreaking fragility of Hawaii’s unique flora. While you probably won’t find this plant at your local nursery, understanding its story helps us appreciate why protecting native Hawaiian plants matters so much.
A Tree on the Brink
Let’s start with the sobering reality: the Kohala Mountain clermontia is critically imperiled. With a Global Conservation Status of S1 and listed as Endangered in the United States, this species typically has only five or fewer occurrences in the wild with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining. That makes it rarer than many animals we consider critically endangered.
Where It Calls Home
This perennial woody plant is endemic to Hawaii’s Big Island, specifically the Kohala Mountain region. As its name suggests, it’s found nowhere else on Earth – not even on Hawaii’s other islands. The species grows exclusively in Hawaii’s unique cloud forest ecosystem.
What Makes It Special
The Kohala Mountain clermontia is a small tree that typically grows 13-16 feet tall, though environmental conditions can sometimes keep it shorter and multi-stemmed. What really sets it apart are its distinctive curved, tubular flowers – usually purple or violet – that evolved specifically to attract Hawaii’s native honeycreeper birds. The glossy leaves add year-round appeal, making it a stunning addition to its native forest habitat.
A Wetland Specialist
Classified as a Facultative Wetland plant in Hawaii, the Kohala Mountain clermontia usually occurs in wetland areas but can sometimes be found in non-wetland environments. This flexibility helped it survive in Hawaii’s diverse mountain ecosystems, at least until human activity began fragmenting its habitat.
The Conservation Challenge
Here’s where things get complicated for gardeners. While this plant would make an incredible addition to a native Hawaiian garden, its extreme rarity means it’s not readily available through normal channels. The few plants that exist need protection in their natural habitat or in specialized conservation programs.
If You’re Determined to Help
For those passionate about Hawaiian native plant conservation, here’s what you need to know about growing conditions:
- USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11 only (tropical/subtropical climates)
- Prefers cool, moist, high-elevation conditions mimicking cloud forest habitat
- Needs consistently moist but well-draining soil
- Thrives in partial shade to filtered light
- Requires protection from strong winds
- Benefits from high humidity
Most importantly, if you ever have the opportunity to grow this species, ensure you’re working with responsibly sourced material through legitimate conservation programs or botanical institutions. Never collect from wild populations.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
Rather than trying to grow this rare species yourself, consider supporting organizations working to protect Hawaiian native plants. You can also create habitat for other native Hawaiian species that aren’t as critically endangered, helping build the ecosystem connections that species like the Kohala Mountain clermontia need to survive.
The story of Clermontia drepanomorpha reminds us that some plants are simply too precious and rare for casual gardening. Sometimes the best way to love a plant is to protect it from afar while supporting the dedicated scientists and conservationists working to ensure it doesn’t disappear forever.
