Rur (Bikkia palauensis): A Rare Pacific Island Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re someone who loves discovering unusual native plants, you might have stumbled across the intriguing Bikkia palauensis, commonly known as rur. This perennial shrub hails from some of the most remote and beautiful corners of the Pacific, but don’t expect to find it at your local garden center anytime soon!
What Makes Rur Special?
Rur is a fascinating native plant that calls the Pacific Basin home, specifically thriving in Palau and Guam. As a perennial shrub, it’s built to last, developing multiple stems that typically keep it under 13-16 feet tall, though it can occasionally surprise you by growing taller or developing a single main trunk depending on its environment.
This plant represents the unique flora that has evolved in isolation on Pacific islands, making it a true botanical treasure. However, its rarity means that most of what we know about rur comes from scientific observations rather than extensive gardening experience.
Where Does Rur Grow Naturally?
Rur is native to the Pacific Basin, with confirmed populations in Guam and Palau. These tropical locations give us some clues about what this plant might need if you’re lucky enough to encounter it, though it’s worth noting that finding rur outside its native habitat is extremely challenging.
Should You Try Growing Rur?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While rur is undoubtedly a fascinating native plant, there are several important considerations:
- Availability is extremely limited, making it nearly impossible to source
- Growing requirements are not well-documented due to limited cultivation
- Success rates for cultivation outside its native range are unknown
- The plant’s rarity means any specimens should come from responsibly managed sources
What We Think It Needs
Based on its native habitat in Palau and Guam, rur likely thrives in:
- Warm, tropical conditions year-round
- High humidity levels
- Well-draining soil that doesn’t stay soggy
- Protection from strong winds and salt spray
- USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (our best guess based on its native range)
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – unless you’re a botanical researcher, advanced collector, or happen to live in Palau or Guam, growing rur is probably not in the cards. The lack of available information about its care requirements, combined with its extreme rarity in cultivation, makes this more of a plant to admire from afar situation.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing unique Pacific native plants but want something more attainable, consider researching other native shrubs from your specific region. Every area has its own special native plants that are much easier to source and grow successfully, and they’ll provide the same satisfaction of supporting local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Rur is undoubtedly a remarkable plant that represents the incredible diversity of Pacific island flora. While it’s not practical for most gardens, knowing about plants like this helps us appreciate the amazing variety of native species that exist in our world. Sometimes the best way to support rare plants like rur is to admire them in their natural habitat and focus our home gardening efforts on native species that are more readily available and better understood.
Who knows? Maybe someday we’ll learn more about successfully cultivating this intriguing shrub. Until then, it remains one of those botanical mysteries that make the plant world so endlessly fascinating!
