Kokee Plateau Melicope: A Vanishing Treasure of Hawaii’s Mountains
Meet the Kokee Plateau melicope (Melicope nealiae), a native Hawaiian shrub that’s become one of the islands’ most elusive botanical treasures. This rare endemic species tells a sobering story about Hawaii’s disappearing native flora, and why every single plant matters in conservation efforts.
What Makes This Plant So Special?
The Kokee Plateau melicope is a perennial shrub that belongs to Hawaii’s unique native ecosystem. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically grows to less than 13-16 feet tall, with several stems arising from near the ground. Like many Hawaiian natives, it has adapted to very specific environmental conditions that make it irreplaceable in its natural habitat.
You might also see this plant referenced by its scientific synonym, Pelea nealiae, in older botanical literature.
Where Does It Come From?
This remarkable shrub is endemic to the island of Kauai in Hawaii, specifically the Kokee Plateau region that gives the plant its common name. The cool, moist montane forests of this unique Hawaiian ecosystem provided the perfect home for this specialized species.
The Conservation Reality: A Plant on the Edge
Here’s the critical information every gardener needs to know: The Kokee Plateau melicope has a Global Conservation Status of SH, which stands for Possibly Extirpated. This sobering classification means the plant is known only from historical occurrences, with just some hope of rediscovery remaining.
In plain terms, this plant may already be extinct in the wild, though botanists haven’t completely given up hope of finding surviving populations.
Should You Try to Grow It?
Given its critically rare status, growing Kokee Plateau melicope requires an entirely different approach than typical gardening:
- Only work with conservation organizations: If you’re interested in this species, connect with Hawaiian botanical gardens, native plant societies, or conservation groups
- Responsibly sourced material only: Never collect from wild populations (if any exist) or purchase from questionable sources
- Specialized growing conditions: This plant requires the specific cool, moist conditions of Kauai’s montane forests
- Conservation focus: Any cultivation should prioritize species preservation over personal gardening goals
Growing Conditions and Care
The Kokee Plateau melicope evolved in Hawaii’s unique montane forest environment, which means it needs:
- Cool, consistently moist conditions similar to cloud forests
- USDA hardiness zones 10-11 (tropical/subtropical)
- Specific Hawaiian climate patterns that are difficult to replicate elsewhere
- Well-draining but moisture-retentive soil
- Protection from strong winds and extreme temperature fluctuations
These exacting requirements make successful cultivation extremely challenging, even for experienced growers of Hawaiian natives.
Supporting Hawaiian Native Plant Conservation
Instead of trying to grow this rare species yourself, consider these meaningful ways to support Hawaiian plant conservation:
- Donate to organizations working to preserve Hawaiian native plants
- Visit and support Hawaiian botanical gardens that maintain conservation collections
- Grow other native Hawaiian plants that are more readily available and less threatened
- Learn about and advocate for habitat protection in Hawaii
The Bigger Picture
The story of the Kokee Plateau melicope reminds us that native plant gardening isn’t just about pretty flowers or attracting butterflies—it’s about preserving irreplaceable pieces of our natural heritage. While we may not be able to casually grow this particular species in our gardens, we can honor its memory by supporting conservation efforts and growing other native plants that still have a fighting chance.
Every native plant we grow, every habitat we protect, and every conservation dollar we contribute helps ensure that future generations won’t just read about these botanical treasures in old field guides—they’ll be able to experience them in the wild where they belong.
