Skottsberg’s False Ohelo: A Hawaiian Plant on the Brink of Extinction
Sometimes in the gardening world, we encounter plants that tell stories of loss and hope in equal measure. Skottsberg’s false ohelo (Wikstroemia skottsbergiana) is one such plant—a rare Hawaiian endemic that serves as a poignant reminder of what we stand to lose when native ecosystems disappear.
What Makes This Plant So Special (and So Rare)
Skottsberg’s false ohelo is a perennial shrub native exclusively to the Hawaiian Islands. Like other members of the Wikstroemia genus, this multi-stemmed woody plant typically grows to less than 13-16 feet in height, with several stems arising from or near the ground.
But here’s where the story takes a sobering turn: this plant has a Global Conservation Status of SH, which means it’s Possibly Extirpated—known only from historical records with just a glimmer of hope for rediscovery. In the United States, it’s classified as Endangered.
Geographic Distribution
This rare shrub grows only in Hawaii, making it a true endemic treasure of the Hawaiian Islands. Its extremely limited distribution is part of what makes it so vulnerable to extinction.
Should You Try to Grow Skottsberg’s False Ohelo?
Here’s the honest answer: you probably can’t, and you probably shouldn’t try. With a conservation status of Possibly Extirpated, this plant may no longer exist in the wild. Even if populations are rediscovered, any remaining specimens would be far too precious for general cultivation.
What This Means for Gardeners
While you can’t grow this particular species, its story highlights the critical importance of native plant conservation. Instead of seeking out Skottsberg’s false ohelo, consider these alternatives:
- Support conservation organizations working to protect Hawaiian endemic plants
- If you garden in Hawaii, choose other native Wikstroemia species that are not endangered
- Participate in native plant society activities focused on conservation
- Create habitat gardens that support native Hawaiian ecosystems
A Conservation Success Story in the Making?
The Possibly Extirpated status means scientists haven’t given up hope entirely. Botanical surveys continue in Hawaii, and there’s always a chance that a small population might be rediscovered in some remote corner of the islands. When this happens with other extinct plants, it makes headlines in the botanical world—and gives us all a reason to celebrate.
The Bigger Picture
Skottsberg’s false ohelo represents the fragility of island ecosystems and the plants that call them home. Hawaii has lost many endemic species to habitat destruction, invasive plants, and climate change. By learning about plants like this one, we become better advocates for the native species that still have a fighting chance.
While we may never get the opportunity to grow Skottsberg’s false ohelo in our gardens, we can honor its memory by protecting the Hawaiian natives that remain. Sometimes the most important plants are the ones that teach us about loss, hope, and the urgent need for conservation.
