Sharktail Cyanea: A Critically Endangered Hawaiian Treasure Worth Protecting
Meet the sharktail cyanea (Cyanea pinnatifida), one of Hawaii’s most endangered native plants that’s fighting for survival in the wild. This remarkable member of the bellflower family gets its common name from its deeply divided, shark-fin-shaped leaves that create a dramatic tropical silhouette. While you might fall in love with its exotic appearance, there’s much more to this plant’s story than meets the eye.
A Plant on the Brink
Before we dive into growing tips, let’s address the elephant in the room: sharktail cyanea is critically imperiled. With a Global Conservation Status of S1 and listed as Endangered in the United States, this species has fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. That makes every single plant incredibly precious to Hawaii’s ecosystem.
If you’re considering adding this beauty to your garden, please ensure you’re working with responsibly sourced material from legitimate conservation programs or certified nurseries. Never collect plants from the wild – doing so could push this species closer to extinction.
Where Does Sharktail Cyanea Call Home?
This Hawaiian endemic is found exclusively in the mesic to wet forests of Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. It’s a true island native that has evolved specifically for Hawaii’s unique climate and ecosystem conditions.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Sharktail cyanea is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Its most striking feature is its deeply divided (pinnatifid) leaves that create an almost fern-like appearance despite being a flowering plant. These dramatic foliage patterns make it a stunning specimen plant for tropical landscapes.
You might also see this plant listed under its scientific synonym, Rollandia pinnatifida, in older botanical references.
Growing Sharktail Cyanea: A Labor of Love
Let’s be honest – growing sharktail cyanea isn’t for beginners. This endangered beauty has very specific requirements that mirror its native Hawaiian forest habitat:
- Climate needs: USDA hardiness zones 10-12 only (think tropical year-round)
- Light requirements: Partial shade – it naturally grows under forest canopies
- Soil conditions: Well-draining but consistently moist soil
- Humidity: High humidity levels are essential
- Protection: Shelter from strong winds and harsh sun
Outside of Hawaii or similar tropical climates, you’ll likely need greenhouse cultivation to meet these demanding requirements.
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Sharktail cyanea is best suited for:
- Hawaiian native plant gardens
- Tropical landscape designs
- Conservation-focused gardens
- Collectors with greenhouse facilities
- Educational or botanical garden settings
This isn’t a plant for casual gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance options. It requires dedication, specific growing conditions, and a commitment to conservation.
Supporting Conservation While Gardening
If you’re passionate about growing this endangered Hawaiian native, consider these responsible approaches:
- Partner with Hawaiian conservation organizations
- Purchase only from certified conservation nurseries
- Participate in seed banking or propagation programs
- Support habitat restoration efforts in Hawaii
- Educate others about Hawaiian native plant conservation
The Bottom Line
Sharktail cyanea is undeniably gorgeous with its dramatic, deeply-divided foliage and tropical flair. However, its critically endangered status means this isn’t just about adding another pretty plant to your collection – it’s about participating in conservation efforts to save a species from extinction.
If you have the right tropical growing conditions and can source plants responsibly, growing sharktail cyanea can be a meaningful way to support Hawaiian biodiversity. Just remember that with great beauty comes great responsibility – every plant counts when you’re dealing with fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild.
For most gardeners outside Hawaii, supporting this species might be better achieved through donations to conservation organizations rather than attempting to grow it. But if you’re up for the challenge and committed to conservation, this remarkable Hawaiian endemic could be the centerpiece of a truly meaningful tropical garden.
