Upland Cyrtandra: A Rare Hawaiian Treasure for Your Shade Garden
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants and have a shady spot in your tropical garden, you might have stumbled across the upland cyrtandra (Cyrtandra macraei). This enchanting shrub is a true gem of Hawaii’s native flora, but before you start planning where to plant it, there’s something important you need to know about this rare beauty.
What Makes Upland Cyrtandra Special?
The upland cyrtandra is a perennial shrub that typically grows 13-16 feet tall, though it can sometimes stretch a bit higher under ideal conditions. What sets this plant apart is its multi-stemmed woody growth habit and attractive glossy green foliage that creates a lush, tropical appearance. During blooming season, it produces delicate white tubular flowers that add an elegant touch to any shade garden.
As its common name suggests, this native Hawaiian shrub naturally thrives in upland forest environments, where it has adapted to filtered light conditions and the humid atmosphere of Hawaii’s mountainous regions.
Where Does It Come From?
Cyrtandra macraei is endemic to Hawaii, meaning you won’t find it growing naturally anywhere else in the world. This perennial shrub calls the Hawaiian islands its exclusive home, where it has evolved over thousands of years to perfectly suit the unique climate and ecosystem conditions.
A Critical Conservation Alert
Here’s what every gardener needs to know: Upland cyrtandra has a Global Conservation Status of S2, which means it’s considered Imperiled. This classification indicates the species faces extreme rarity with typically only 6-20 occurrences remaining in the wild, with few remaining individuals (estimated at 1,000-3,000 plants total).
What does this mean for you as a gardener? If you’re interested in growing this remarkable native plant, you absolutely must source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from legally collected seeds or cuttings. Never collect from wild populations – doing so could push this species closer to extinction.
Is Upland Cyrtandra Right for Your Garden?
This shrub works beautifully in specific garden settings:
- Tropical and subtropical shade gardens (USDA zones 10-12 only)
- Native Hawaiian landscape designs seeking authentic indigenous plants
- Understory plantings beneath taller trees where it can receive filtered light
- Conservation gardens dedicated to preserving rare native species
The upland cyrtandra has a Facultative Upland wetland status, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can tolerate some moisture. This makes it quite versatile for different areas of your tropical garden.
Growing Conditions and Care
Success with upland cyrtandra requires mimicking its natural upland forest habitat:
- Light: Partial to full shade – avoid direct sunlight
- Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich soil that stays consistently moist
- Humidity: High humidity levels (typical of tropical climates)
- Protection: Shelter from strong winds
- Climate: Warm temperatures year-round (zones 10-12)
Planting and Care Tips
When you’ve sourced your upland cyrtandra from a reputable native plant nursery:
- Choose a protected location with morning light and afternoon shade
- Amend your soil with plenty of organic matter like compost
- Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Avoid fertilizers – native plants typically don’t need them and may actually be harmed by excess nutrients
Benefits to Your Garden Ecosystem
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, upland cyrtandra supports native Hawaiian wildlife. The flowers attract native birds and beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting local biodiversity.
The Bottom Line
Upland cyrtandra is a stunning native shrub that can add authentic Hawaiian character to your shade garden, but only if you’re committed to responsible gardening practices. Given its imperiled status, consider this plant only if you can source it ethically and provide the specific growing conditions it needs to thrive.
If you can’t find responsibly sourced upland cyrtandra, consider asking your local native plant society about other native Hawaiian Cyrtandra species that might be less rare, or explore other native Hawaiian shade plants that can provide similar aesthetic benefits without the conservation concerns.
