Whorled Oldenlandia: A Little-Known Pacific Island Native
If you’re gardening in the tropical Pacific and looking for truly local native plants, you might stumble across whorled oldenlandia (Oldenlandia verticillata). This small, unassuming member of the coffee family represents one of those hidden gems of native flora that most gardeners have never heard of—and for good reason, as it’s quite specialized in its native range.
What Is Whorled Oldenlandia?
Whorled oldenlandia is a native forb—essentially an herbaceous flowering plant without woody stems—that calls the Pacific Basin home, specifically Guam and Palau. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonym Hedyotis verticillata, which can add to the confusion when trying to research this little-known species.
This plant can behave as either an annual or perennial depending on growing conditions, which gives it some flexibility in how it fits into your garden plans. As a forb, it lacks the woody tissue you’d find in shrubs or trees, instead producing soft, green stems that emerge from ground-level growing points.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Whorled oldenlandia has a very limited native range, naturally occurring in Guam and Palau. This makes it a true Pacific island endemic, evolved specifically for the unique conditions found in these tropical locations.
Should You Grow Whorled Oldenlandia?
The honest answer? Probably not, unless you live in its native range and are specifically interested in preserving local flora. Here’s why:
- Extremely limited availability: You’re unlikely to find this plant at your local nursery or even specialty native plant sales
- Narrow climate requirements: It needs true tropical conditions (USDA zones 10-12) to thrive
- Unknown garden performance: There’s little documentation about how it performs in cultivation
- Limited aesthetic appeal: As a small forb, it’s not going to be a showstopper in your landscape
If You’re Determined to Try It
For gardeners in Guam, Palau, or similar tropical Pacific climates who want to support native biodiversity, here’s what we know about growing whorled oldenlandia:
Growing Conditions
- Climate: Tropical, frost-free conditions only
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Size: Expect a small plant, likely under 12 inches tall
- Habitat: Typical tropical forb conditions
Care Tips
Since specific cultivation information is scarce, your best bet is to mimic its natural habitat:
- Provide consistent warmth and humidity
- Ensure good drainage while maintaining adequate moisture
- Protect from strong winds
- Consider it experimental—be prepared to adjust care based on how the plant responds
The Bottom Line
Whorled oldenlandia represents one of those botanical curiosities that’s more interesting from a conservation standpoint than a practical gardening one. Unless you’re in its native Pacific island range and specifically working on habitat restoration or native plant conservation, you’ll probably want to focus your energy on more readily available and better-documented native plants for your region.
If you are in the right location and interested in this species, work with local conservation groups or botanical institutions—they’re your best bet for obtaining responsibly sourced material and getting real-world growing advice from people who’ve actually worked with this uncommon native.
