Woodland Wild Coffee: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting
Meet the woodland wild coffee (Psychotria hexandra hexandra var. hexandra), a fascinating Hawaiian native that’s as intriguing as its name suggests. While it’s not actually related to your morning brew, this remarkable shrub deserves attention for its unique place in Hawaii’s native ecosystem and its increasingly rare status in the wild.
A True Hawaiian Original
Woodland wild coffee is a genuine Hawaiian endemic, meaning it evolved naturally in Hawaii and exists nowhere else on Earth. This perennial shrub represents millions of years of isolated evolution, making it a living treasure of Hawaiian biodiversity. As a multi-stemmed woody plant, it typically grows as a shrub reaching heights of up to 13-16 feet under optimal conditions, though it can vary based on environmental factors.
Where You’ll Find It (Or Won’t)
This rare beauty is found exclusively in Hawaii, where it grows naturally in woodland environments. However, finding it in the wild is becoming increasingly challenging due to its conservation status.
A Plant in Need of Protection
Here’s where things get serious, fellow plant lovers. Woodland wild coffee carries a Global Conservation Status of S2T2, which indicates this species faces significant conservation challenges. While the exact meaning of this status classification isn’t fully defined in available resources, any S2 designation typically signals a plant that’s imperiled and at risk.
What does this mean for gardeners? If you’re considering adding this rare Hawaiian native to your collection, proceed with extreme caution and responsibility.
Should You Grow Woodland Wild Coffee?
The short answer: only if you can source it responsibly and you’re in Hawaii. Given its rare status, this isn’t a plant for casual gardening. However, if you’re a dedicated native plant enthusiast in Hawaii committed to conservation, here’s what you should know:
- Source responsibly: Never collect from wild populations. Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from ethically sourced material
- Location matters: This plant is adapted to Hawaiian conditions and likely won’t survive in other climates
- Conservation value: Growing rare natives helps preserve genetic diversity and provides backup populations
The Growing Challenge
Unfortunately, specific growing information for this exact variety is quite limited, which adds another layer of complexity for potential cultivators. Based on its native woodland habitat, we can infer it likely prefers:
- Partial shade to filtered sunlight
- Well-draining soil with good organic content
- Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Protection from strong winds
However, these are educated guesses based on its natural habitat rather than proven cultivation guidelines.
A Plant for Specialists
Woodland wild coffee isn’t your typical garden center find, and that’s probably for the best. This rare Hawaiian endemic requires specialized knowledge, dedicated care, and responsible sourcing practices. It’s better suited for:
- Conservation gardens and botanical collections
- Native plant specialists in Hawaii
- Restoration projects led by conservation organizations
- Educational institutions studying Hawaiian flora
The Bottom Line
While woodland wild coffee represents an incredible piece of Hawaiian natural heritage, it’s not a plant for every gardener. Its rare status means it needs protection more than cultivation. If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants, consider supporting conservation organizations, visiting botanical gardens where it might be displayed, or focusing on other Hawaiian natives that are less imperiled but equally beautiful.
Sometimes the best way to love a plant is to admire it from afar and work to protect its wild populations. Woodland wild coffee is definitely one of those special cases where conservation comes first, and gardening takes a back seat to preservation.
