Pickering’s Cyrtandra: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and have the right growing conditions, Pickering’s cyrtandra (Cyrtandra pickeringii) might just be the perfect addition to your shade garden. But before you start planning where to plant it, there’s something important you need to know about this beautiful native shrub.
What Makes Pickering’s Cyrtandra Special?
Pickering’s cyrtandra is a true Hawaiian endemic, meaning it exists naturally nowhere else on Earth except in the Hawaiian Islands. This perennial shrub belongs to the African violet family (Gesneriaceae) and typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant reaching 13 to 16 feet in height, though it usually stays smaller in garden settings.
You might also see this plant referred to by its synonym, Cyrtandra hii Forbes, in older botanical references, but Cyrtandra pickeringii is the accepted scientific name today.
A Conservation Concern
Here’s the important part: Pickering’s cyrtandra has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which means it’s considered vulnerable. With only 21 to 100 known occurrences and an estimated 3,000 to 10,000 individual plants remaining in the wild, this species needs our protection.
If you’re considering adding this plant to your garden, please ensure you source it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate plants responsibly rather than collecting from wild populations. Better yet, consider supporting habitat restoration efforts that help protect existing populations.
Where Does It Grow?
Pickering’s cyrtandra is found exclusively in Hawaii, where it naturally grows in the understory of native Hawaiian forests. These cool, moist, shaded environments provide the perfect conditions for this shade-loving shrub.
Garden Appeal and Uses
While we don’t have extensive documentation of its specific flower characteristics, as a member of the Gesneriaceae family, Pickering’s cyrtandra likely produces attractive tubular flowers that would appeal to native Hawaiian pollinators, including birds and insects. The plant’s natural shrub form makes it an excellent choice for:
- Native Hawaiian restoration gardens
- Shade gardens that mimic forest understory conditions
- Educational landscapes focused on endemic species
- Conservation-minded gardening projects
Growing Conditions
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (basically tropical climates), you might be able to successfully grow Pickering’s cyrtandra. Here’s what this Hawaiian native needs:
- Light: Partial to full shade (mimicking forest understory)
- Soil: Moist, well-draining, organic-rich soil
- Water: Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Climate: Warm, humid conditions similar to Hawaiian forests
Planting and Care Tips
Growing Pickering’s cyrtandra successfully means recreating its native forest habitat as closely as possible:
- Plant in a location protected from direct sunlight and strong winds
- Ensure excellent drainage while maintaining consistent soil moisture
- Use organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Avoid fertilizers unless specifically formulated for native Hawaiian plants
- Monitor for pests, but avoid harsh chemical treatments that could harm native pollinators
The Bottom Line
Pickering’s cyrtandra represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for gardeners. While it can make a beautiful addition to the right garden setting, its vulnerable conservation status means we need to approach cultivation thoughtfully. If you’re not in the right climate zone or can’t source plants responsibly, consider supporting conservation efforts for this species instead.
For gardeners outside of Hawaii or those looking for similar aesthetic appeal, consider researching native understory shrubs in your own region. Every garden can play a role in conservation – whether by growing rare natives responsibly or by choosing local alternatives that support regional ecosystems.
Remember: the best garden is one that works with nature, not against it. And sometimes, the most loving thing we can do for a rare plant is to protect it where it naturally belongs.
