Lapalapa: A Magnificent Native Hawaiian Tree Worth Growing Responsibly
If you’re lucky enough to garden in Hawaii or other tropical zones, you might want to get acquainted with lapalapa (Cheirodendron platyphyllum), one of Hawaii’s most distinctive native trees. With its impressive size and unique foliage, this perennial beauty has been gracing Hawaiian forests for centuries – and it could grace your landscape too, with the right conditions and responsible sourcing.
What Makes Lapalapa Special?
Lapalapa is a true Hawaiian native, meaning it evolved specifically in the Hawaiian Islands and plays an important role in the local ecosystem. This isn’t just any tree – it’s a living piece of Hawaiian natural heritage that can transform your landscape into something truly special.
What really sets lapalapa apart is its dramatic foliage. The large, palmate leaves are deeply lobed, creating an almost hand-like appearance that’s both tropical and sophisticated. As a mature tree, lapalapa typically reaches heights of 13-16 feet or more, making it an excellent choice for creating shade and vertical interest in your landscape.
Where Does Lapalapa Grow?
This tree is exclusively found in Hawaii, where it thrives in the mesic to wet forest zones of the Hawaiian Islands. You won’t find this species growing naturally anywhere else in the world, which makes it pretty special indeed.
Important Conservation Note
Before you rush out to find a lapalapa for your garden, there’s something important you should know. This species has a conservation status of S2S3, which suggests it may face some level of concern in its natural habitat. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grow it – in fact, growing native species can help support conservation efforts – but it does mean you should be extra careful about where you source your plant.
Always purchase lapalapa from reputable nurseries that propagate their plants responsibly rather than collecting from wild populations. This ensures you’re supporting conservation rather than potentially harming wild populations.
Is Lapalapa Right for Your Garden?
Lapalapa works best in specific situations:
- You live in USDA zones 10-12 (tropical and subtropical areas only)
- You have space for a medium to large tree
- You want to create an authentic Hawaiian landscape
- You’re interested in supporting native plant conservation
- You can provide consistent moisture and protection from strong winds
This tree is particularly stunning as a specimen plant or as part of a native Hawaiian forest restoration project. It’s also fantastic for creating natural shade in larger residential landscapes.
Growing Lapalapa Successfully
Growing lapalapa isn’t difficult if you can meet its basic needs, but it’s definitely not a plant for every climate. Here’s what you need to know:
Climate Requirements: Lapalapa absolutely requires warm, humid conditions year-round. If you experience freezing temperatures or extended dry seasons, this tree isn’t for you.
Moisture Needs: This tree has a facultative wetland status, meaning it’s comfortable in both wetland and non-wetland conditions as long as it gets consistent moisture. Think of it as preferring the Goldilocks zone – not too wet, not too dry, but just right.
Light Conditions: Young lapalapa trees prefer partial shade and protection, while mature trees can handle more sun. Start yours in a somewhat protected spot and let it grow into more exposure.
Soil Needs: Well-draining but moisture-retentive soil works best. The tree doesn’t like to sit in standing water, but it also doesn’t want to dry out completely.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in a location protected from strong winds, especially when the tree is young
- Provide regular, consistent watering – think tropical rainforest, not desert
- Mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture
- Give it plenty of space to grow – this isn’t a tree for small gardens
- Be patient – like most native trees, lapalapa may be slow to establish but will reward your patience
Supporting Hawaiian Ecosystems
By choosing to grow lapalapa, you’re doing more than just adding an attractive tree to your landscape. You’re supporting Hawaiian native ecosystems and potentially providing habitat for native Hawaiian wildlife. While specific pollinator relationships aren’t well-documented for home gardeners, native trees typically support native insects and birds in ways that non-native species simply can’t match.
The Bottom Line
Lapalapa is a gorgeous native Hawaiian tree that deserves more attention from tropical gardeners. If you can provide the warm, humid conditions it needs and source your plant responsibly, you’ll be rewarded with a unique, conservation-friendly addition to your landscape that connects you directly to Hawaii’s natural heritage. Just remember – this is definitely a tree for tropical climates only, and responsible sourcing is key to supporting rather than harming wild populations.
