Panaunau: A Rare Hawaiian Treasure Worth Protecting
Meet the panaunau (Lobelia yuccoides), a special little Hawaiian native that’s as rare as it is remarkable. This perennial herb might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it carries the unique distinction of being found nowhere else on Earth except the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation gardening, panaunau deserves a spot on your radar – though with some important caveats we’ll discuss.
What Makes Panaunau Special
Panaunau is what botanists call a forb herb – essentially a soft-stemmed perennial that lacks the woody tissue of shrubs and trees. This unassuming plant represents millions of years of evolution in isolation, developing characteristics found nowhere else in the world. As a member of the diverse Lobelia family, it likely produces the characteristic tubular flowers that make this plant group so distinctive.
Where You’ll Find Panaunau
This endemic Hawaiian species calls the islands home, thriving in the unique microclimates that make Hawaii’s flora so special. You’ll find panaunau growing naturally in dry to mesic forests and shrublands across the Hawaiian Islands, where it has adapted to the volcanic soils and tropical climate conditions.
A Conservation Concern
Here’s where things get serious: panaunau is classified as Imperiled with a Global Conservation Status of S2. This means there are likely only 6 to 20 known populations remaining, with an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants left in the wild. That makes this little herb rarer than many animals we consider endangered.
What this means for gardeners: If you’re interested in growing panaunau, you absolutely must source it responsibly. Only obtain plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries, botanical gardens, or conservation organizations that can verify their material doesn’t come from wild populations.
Growing Panaunau: For the Conservation-Minded Gardener
Successfully growing panaunau requires understanding its natural habitat and respecting its conservation status.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Climate: USDA Zones 10-12 (primarily Hawaii and similar tropical/subtropical areas)
- Light: Partial shade to full sun, mimicking forest edge conditions
- Soil: Well-draining soils that replicate volcanic Hawaiian soils
- Water: Moderate moisture levels typical of mesic forest conditions
Planting and Care Tips
- Start with responsibly sourced plants from conservation nurseries
- Provide excellent drainage to prevent root rot
- Mulch around plants to maintain consistent soil moisture
- Avoid fertilizers unless specifically recommended for Hawaiian natives
- Monitor for pests that might threaten this rare species
The Perfect Garden for Panaunau
Panaunau shines in specialized settings rather than typical home landscapes:
- Native Hawaiian gardens: Paired with other indigenous species
- Conservation collections: Botanical gardens and educational displays
- Restoration projects: Habitat restoration in appropriate locations
- Specialized collectors: Serious native plant enthusiasts with proper knowledge
Supporting Native Pollinators
While specific research on panaunau’s pollinator relationships may be limited, Hawaiian lobelias typically support native insects and sometimes native birds. By growing this rare species, you’re potentially providing habitat for other rare Hawaiian species that depend on native plants.
Should You Grow Panaunau?
The answer depends entirely on your commitment to conservation. This isn’t a plant for casual gardeners or those looking for easy color in their landscape. However, if you’re:
- Passionate about Hawaiian native plants
- Committed to sourcing plants ethically
- Interested in participating in conservation efforts
- Located in an appropriate climate zone
Then growing panaunau could be a meaningful way to contribute to preserving this rare species for future generations.
The Bottom Line
Panaunau represents both the incredible diversity of Hawaiian flora and the urgent need for plant conservation. While it may not be the easiest or most colorful addition to your garden, it offers something far more valuable: the opportunity to be part of preserving a piece of natural heritage that exists nowhere else on Earth. Just remember – with great rarity comes great responsibility.
If you’re not quite ready for the commitment that comes with growing such a rare species, consider supporting organizations that work to protect Hawaiian native plants or visiting botanical gardens where you can appreciate panaunau in a conservation setting.
