Nehe: A Rare Hawaiian Treasure for Your Native Garden
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and want to add something truly special to your garden, let me introduce you to nehe (Lipochaeta connata). This little-known perennial herb is one of Hawaii’s botanical gems – though finding it might be your biggest challenge!
What Makes Nehe Special?
Nehe is a charming low-growing forb that produces delicate yellow daisy-like flowers. As a perennial herb, it lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead growing as a soft-tissued plant that returns year after year. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this plant is a true Hawaiian endemic, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth.
Where You’ll Find Nehe Growing Wild
This rare beauty calls the Hawaiian Islands home, where it grows naturally on several islands including Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Unfortunately, nehe has become increasingly scarce in its native habitat.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Before you get too excited about adding nehe to your garden, there’s something important you need to know. This species has a Global Conservation Status of S2, which means it’s imperiled due to extreme rarity. With typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and between 1,000 to 3,000 remaining individuals, nehe is fighting for survival in the wild.
What does this mean for gardeners? While I absolutely encourage growing this native Hawaiian treasure, please only obtain plants or seeds from reputable, responsible sources that don’t harvest from wild populations. Better yet, look for nurseries that specialize in propagating rare Hawaiian natives from ethically sourced genetic material.
Why Grow Nehe in Your Garden?
Despite its rarity – or perhaps because of it – nehe makes a wonderful addition to the right garden:
- Supports native Hawaiian ecosystems and pollinators
- Perfect for rock gardens and xerophytic landscapes
- Low-maintenance once established
- Helps preserve Hawaii’s botanical heritage
- Conversation starter about native plant conservation
Growing Conditions and Care
Nehe is surprisingly adaptable for such a rare plant, but it does have specific preferences:
Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical gardens.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade – think bright but not scorching conditions.
Soil: The key to success is excellent drainage! Nehe cannot tolerate soggy conditions, so ensure your soil drains well or consider raised beds and rock gardens.
Water: Once established, this little survivor is quite drought tolerant. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency.
Protection: Shield young plants from strong winds, which can damage their delicate stems.
Garden Design Ideas
Nehe shines in several garden settings:
- Native Hawaiian gardens: Pairs beautifully with other endemic Hawaiian plants
- Rock gardens: Its low-growing habit and drought tolerance make it perfect for rocky, well-draining spots
- Ground cover: Use it to create naturalistic drifts in appropriate climates
- Conservation gardens: Showcase rare plants while contributing to their preservation
The Bottom Line
Nehe is a plant that gardeners either can’t find or don’t know exists – which makes it even more special when you do encounter it. If you’re lucky enough to find responsibly sourced plants, you’ll be joining a small but important group of gardeners helping to preserve Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage.
Just remember: with great rarity comes great responsibility. Only source your nehe from reputable nurseries, and consider yourself a steward of this imperiled species. Your garden won’t just look good – it’ll be doing good too.
