Olona: A Treasured Native Hawaiian Shrub Worth Preserving
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants, you’ve probably heard whispers about olona (Touchardia latifolia) – a remarkable shrub that’s been woven into Hawaiian culture for centuries. This endemic beauty isn’t just another pretty face in the garden; it’s a living piece of Hawaiian heritage that deserves our respect and careful cultivation.
What Makes Olona Special?
Olona is a native Hawaiian perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges create an attractive, somewhat coarse-textured backdrop, while small clusters of greenish-white flowers add subtle charm to the landscape.
This isn’t your average garden shrub – olona is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else on Earth. You’ll find it scattered across the Hawaiian Islands, where it has adapted to thrive in the unique island environment.
A Plant That Needs Our Help
Here’s where things get serious: olona has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which means it’s considered vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining, this plant is walking a tightrope toward rarity. If you’re considering adding olona to your garden, this makes responsible sourcing absolutely critical.
Important: Only obtain olona from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs. Never collect from wild populations – they need every plant they can get!
Where Olona Thrives in Your Garden
Olona is surprisingly adaptable, which might explain how it survived this long. Here’s what this hardy native prefers:
- Moisture: As a facultative wetland plant, olona usually grows in wet conditions but can tolerate drier spots once established
- Light: Partial shade to full sun – it’s pretty flexible
- Soil: Well-draining soils of various types, though it appreciates consistent moisture
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (perfect for Hawaii’s tropical and subtropical conditions)
Perfect Garden Roles for Olona
This versatile native can play several important roles in your landscape:
- Erosion control: Its root system helps stabilize slopes and prevent soil loss
- Native habitat restoration: Essential for recreating authentic Hawaiian ecosystems
- Cultural gardens: Perfect for gardens celebrating Hawaiian heritage and traditional uses
- Naturalistic plantings: Adds authentic island character to informal landscapes
Growing Olona Successfully
The good news? Olona isn’t particularly fussy once you understand its needs:
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Pruning: Minimal pruning needed – just remove dead or damaged growth
- Fertilizing: Light feeding with organic fertilizer during growing season
Supporting Pollinators and Wildlife
While olona’s small flowers might not win any beauty contests, they’re valuable to native Hawaiian insects and other small pollinators. By growing olona, you’re supporting the intricate web of native species that depend on each other for survival.
The Bottom Line: Should You Grow Olona?
If you live in Hawaii and want to support native plant conservation while adding authentic island character to your garden, olona is an excellent choice – with one crucial caveat. Given its vulnerable status, only source plants responsibly from conservation nurseries or approved propagation programs.
This isn’t just gardening; it’s participating in conservation. Every responsibly grown olona in cultivation helps ensure this remarkable native survives for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Remember: when you choose native plants like olona, you’re not just creating a beautiful garden – you’re preserving Hawaii’s natural heritage one plant at a time.
