Molokai Colicwood: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants and conservation gardening, you’ve probably never heard of Molokai colicwood (Myrsine pukooensis). And honestly, that’s not entirely surprising – this remarkable tree is one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets, not by choice, but by rarity.
What Makes Molokai Colicwood Special?
Molokai colicwood is a perennial tree that’s as Hawaiian as it gets – endemic to the islands and found nowhere else on Earth. This woody beauty typically grows as a single-stemmed tree, reaching impressive heights of 13 to 16 feet or more under ideal conditions. Like many Hawaiian natives, it can sometimes develop a more compact, multi-stemmed growth form depending on environmental conditions.
Where Does It Call Home?
This tree is exclusively native to Hawaii, with its distribution limited to the Hawaiian Islands. As its common name suggests, it has particular ties to Molokai, though specific habitat details remain somewhat mysterious due to the species’ rarity.
The Rarity Reality Check
Here’s where things get serious, fellow plant lovers. Molokai colicwood carries a Global Conservation Status of S3, which translates to Vulnerable. What does this mean in plain English? This tree is walking a tightrope between survival and extinction, with only an estimated 21 to 100 occurrences remaining in the wild, representing roughly 3,000 to 10,000 individual plants total.
This isn’t just another pretty plant – it’s a conservation priority.
Should You Grow Molokai Colicwood?
The short answer is: maybe, but with a huge emphasis on responsibility. If you’re considering adding this rare beauty to your Hawaiian native garden, you absolutely must ensure any plant material comes from responsible, conservation-minded sources. Never collect from wild populations, and only work with reputable nurseries or conservation programs that propagate these trees ethically.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, detailed growing information for Molokai colicwood is limited – a common challenge with rare native species that haven’t been extensively cultivated. What we do know is that as a Hawaiian endemic, it’s adapted to tropical conditions and would only be suitable for USDA hardiness zones that accommodate year-round warmth and humidity.
If you’re lucky enough to acquire responsibly sourced plant material, consider these general guidelines for Hawaiian native trees:
- Provide well-draining soil that mimics natural Hawaiian growing conditions
- Ensure adequate humidity and protection from harsh winds
- Consider the mature size when planning placement – remember, this can be a substantial tree
- Work with local native plant experts for species-specific advice
The Bigger Picture
Growing Molokai colicwood isn’t just about adding another tree to your landscape – it’s about participating in conservation. Every responsibly grown specimen represents hope for this vulnerable species’ future. However, the limited availability and conservation concerns mean this isn’t a plant for casual gardeners.
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian natives but can’t source Molokai colicwood responsibly, consider other Hawaiian native trees that are more readily available and less conservation-sensitive. Your local native plant society can point you toward equally beautiful alternatives that won’t put additional pressure on rare species.
The Bottom Line
Molokai colicwood represents both the beauty and fragility of Hawaii’s native flora. While it’s not a plant most gardeners will grow, knowing about it helps us appreciate the incredible diversity we’re working to protect. If you do choose to grow it, approach it as a conservation partner, not just a garden addition.
Sometimes the rarest plants teach us the most about the responsibility that comes with our gardening choices.
