Olapa: Growing Hawaii’s Majestic Native Tree in Your Garden
If you’re looking to add a touch of authentic Hawaiian forest magic to your landscape, meet olapa (Cheirodendron forbesii) – one of Hawaii’s most distinctive native trees. With its elegant stature and unique character, this perennial beauty has been gracing Hawaiian forests for centuries, though it’s becoming increasingly rare in the wild.
What Makes Olapa Special?
Olapa is a true Hawaiian native, found exclusively in the islands’ mesic to wet forests. This impressive tree typically grows as a single-stemmed giant, reaching heights of 13 to 16 feet or more, making it a natural choice for creating dramatic canopy coverage in larger landscapes. Under certain conditions, it might develop a multi-stemmed growth pattern or stay more compact, but either way, it’s a showstopper.
Where You’ll Find Olapa Growing Wild
This endemic species calls Hawaii home and only Hawaii – you won’t find it growing naturally anywhere else in the world. It thrives in the islands’ unique forest ecosystems, from sea level up into the mountains.
Important Conservation Note
Here’s something crucial every potential olapa grower needs to know: this beautiful tree is considered imperiled, with a conservation status of S2. This means there are typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences in the wild, with an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining. If you’re thinking about adding olapa to your garden, you absolutely must source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs – never collect from wild populations.
Why Choose Olapa for Your Landscape?
Beyond its conservation value, olapa brings several benefits to your garden:
- Provides excellent canopy coverage and natural shade
- Supports native Hawaiian wildlife and pollinators
- Adds authentic Hawaiian character to native plant gardens
- Perfect for restoration projects and large properties
- Relatively adaptable to different moisture conditions
Growing Conditions and Care
Olapa is quite adaptable when it comes to water – it has a facultative wetland status, meaning it can handle both wet and drier conditions. This flexibility makes it easier to incorporate into various landscape designs.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12 (tropical and subtropical climates)
- Partial shade to full sun exposure
- Well-draining soil with consistent moisture
- Protection from strong winds
- Space to accommodate its mature size
Planting and Care Tips
Since growing conditions information is limited for this rare species, work closely with native plant experts when establishing olapa in your landscape. Generally, provide consistent watering during establishment, mulch around the base to retain moisture, and be patient – like many native Hawaiian trees, olapa tends to have a moderate growth rate.
Is Olapa Right for Your Garden?
Olapa is perfect if you have a large property, are working on a native Hawaiian restoration project, or want to support conservation efforts through responsible cultivation. However, it’s not suitable for small gardens or areas where you need a compact tree. Remember, this is a substantial tree that needs room to grow and thrive.
Most importantly, only consider planting olapa if you can source it through legitimate conservation nurseries or programs. By choosing responsibly sourced plants, you’re not just adding beauty to your landscape – you’re actively participating in preserving one of Hawaii’s irreplaceable native treasures for future generations.
