Mohihi: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and conservation gardening, let me introduce you to mohihi (Stenogyne scrophularioides), a charming yet critically rare perennial herb that deserves a special place in your heart—and possibly your garden. This little-known member of Hawaii’s native flora is fighting for survival, making it both a gardening challenge and a conservation opportunity.
What Makes Mohihi Special?
Mohihi is a delicate perennial forb—essentially a non-woody flowering plant—that’s endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. What sets this plant apart isn’t just its rarity, but its understated beauty. Picture heart-shaped, serrated leaves creating a lush carpet beneath small, tubular flowers that range from white to pale purple. It’s the kind of plant that whispers rather than shouts, perfect for gardeners who appreciate subtle elegance.
As a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), mohihi shares some characteristics with its more familiar cousins, but it’s evolved specifically for Hawaii’s unique ecosystems over thousands of years.
Where Does Mohihi Call Home?
This endemic beauty is found exclusively in Hawaii, where it once thrived in the understory of native forests. Today, you’ll find it scattered across the Hawaiian Islands, though its populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss and invasive species pressure.
A Conservation Concern
Here’s something crucial every potential grower needs to know: mohihi has a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s imperiled with typically only 6 to 20 occurrences remaining in the wild. This plant is teetering on the edge of extinction, with only 1,000 to 3,000 individuals estimated to remain.
If you’re considering adding mohihi to your garden, please ensure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs. Never collect from wild populations—every plant in nature is precious for the species’ survival.
Creating the Perfect Home for Mohihi
Growing mohihi successfully means recreating a slice of Hawaiian forest understory in your garden. Here’s what this rare beauty needs to thrive:
Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial to full shade—think dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopy
- Soil: Moist, well-draining, organic-rich soil that mimics forest floor conditions
- Water: Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Climate: USDA zones 10-12 (tropical conditions)
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in a protected location away from strong winds
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Provide regular watering during dry periods
- Consider planting under native Hawaiian trees or large shrubs for natural shade
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Mohihi works beautifully as:
- Ground cover in native Hawaiian restoration gardens
- Understory planting beneath larger native species
- Accent plant in shade gardens focused on Hawaiian natives
- Part of a conservation collection highlighting endangered Hawaiian flora
This plant is ideally suited for native Hawaiian gardens, restoration projects, or any landscape design that prioritizes indigenous species and conservation.
Supporting Hawaiian Wildlife
While specific wildlife benefits aren’t well-documented, mohihi likely supports native Hawaiian insects and may provide nectar for endemic pollinators. Every native plant contributes to the complex web of relationships that Hawaiian ecosystems depend on for survival.
Should You Grow Mohihi?
The answer depends on your commitment level. This isn’t a plant for casual gardeners—it’s for those who understand the responsibility of growing critically rare species. If you can provide the right conditions and source plants ethically, growing mohihi becomes an act of conservation, helping preserve genetic diversity outside of wild populations.
Consider mohihi if you:
- Have experience with native Hawaiian plants
- Can provide consistent shade and moisture
- Are committed to conservation gardening
- Want to support endangered species recovery
Remember, every mohihi plant grown responsibly in cultivation is a small victory for conservation. You’re not just growing a garden—you’re helping preserve a piece of Hawaii’s irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.
