Kolea Lau Nui: A Treasured Native Hawaiian Shrub Worth Preserving
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian gardening, you’ve probably heard whispers about kolea lau nui – a charming endemic shrub that’s both beautiful and ecologically important. Known botanically as Myrsine lessertiana, this perennial woody plant deserves a special place in your native landscape, though with an important caveat we’ll discuss later.
What Makes Kolea Lau Nui Special?
Kolea lau nui is a true Hawaiian native, found nowhere else on Earth. This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows less than 13-16 feet tall, creating dense, compact growth that’s perfect for naturalized settings. Its small, leathery dark green leaves provide year-round interest, while tiny white to pinkish flowers appear seasonally, followed by small dark berries that add visual appeal.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This endemic treasure calls only Hawaii home, thriving in the state’s montane mesic and wet forests. You’ll typically find it growing in the cooler, higher elevation areas where morning mists and afternoon clouds create the perfect humid environment.
A Plant That Needs Our Help
Important Conservation Note: Before you get too excited about adding kolea lau nui to your garden, know that this species has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. With only 21-100 occurrences and between 3,000-10,000 individuals remaining in the wild, this plant needs our protection. If you choose to grow it, please ensure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate rather than wild-collect their plants.
Perfect Garden Roles for Kolea Lau Nui
When ethically sourced, kolea lau nui makes an excellent addition to:
- Native Hawaiian restoration gardens
- Shade gardens under larger native trees
- Erosion control on slopes
- Wildlife habitat gardens
- Naturalized landscape areas
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
Kolea lau nui isn’t your typical backyard shrub – it has specific needs that reflect its mountain forest origins:
- Light: Partial shade to full shade (mimics forest understory)
- Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich soil
- Water: Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Climate: Cool, humid conditions of higher elevations
- Hardiness: USDA zones 10-11 only (tropical/subtropical climates)
Interestingly, this species has a Facultative Upland wetland status, meaning it usually prefers non-wetland areas but can tolerate some moisture – perfect for those in-between garden spots that aren’t quite wet but aren’t bone dry either.
Planting and Care Tips
Success with kolea lau nui comes down to replicating its natural habitat:
- Plant in organic-rich, well-draining soil amended with compost
- Provide protection from strong trade winds
- Maintain consistent soil moisture through mulching
- Avoid heavy fertilization – native plants prefer lean conditions
- Be patient – native shrubs often establish slowly but live long
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
The small flowers of kolea lau nui provide nectar for native Hawaiian insects and may attract native birds. The berries, when produced, can provide food for wildlife, making this shrub a valuable component of habitat restoration efforts.
Should You Plant Kolea Lau Nui?
The short answer is: maybe, but proceed thoughtfully. If you’re gardening in Hawaii and passionate about native plant conservation, kolea lau nui can be a wonderful addition to your landscape. However, its vulnerable status means you should:
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries
- Never collect from wild populations
- Consider it for conservation-focused gardens rather than purely ornamental ones
- Be prepared to provide the specific growing conditions it needs
By growing kolea lau nui responsibly, you’re not just adding a beautiful native plant to your garden – you’re participating in the preservation of Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage. And that’s something worth celebrating, don’t you think?
