Recently, I have received questions about growing the native, aalii. It is a lovely shrub or small tree to grow here in West Hawaii and one you might consider planting to enhance your garden and expand your palette of native Hawaiian plants.
Recently, I have received questions about growing the native, aalii. It is a lovely shrub or small tree to grow here in West Hawaii and one you might consider planting to enhance your garden and expand your palette of native Hawaiian plants.
Gardeners in Kona are planting native Hawaiian plants for lots of reasons. First, it is good stewardship of Hawaiian land to plant natives. As development replaces our native forests, planting endemic and indigenous species is way to insure their survival. Also, these plants have spent centuries here acclimating to our climate. They can endure the occasional wet feet of summer and most will survive during our dry winter weather. Many are xeriscape plants needing very little water or maintenance. Quite a few native species also provide lovely additions to the landscape. The aalii is additionally valued in the local ecosystem as it is host to two endangered insects, the rainbow hued koa bug at lower elevations and the delicate blue-green koa butterfly at upper elevations. Their visits add interest to an already appealing plant species.
aalii is an indigenous Hawaiian plant that can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical locations often appearing along the coast or at lower elevations. It is a member of the Soapberry (Sapindaceae) family along with well-known tropical fruit including lychee, rambutan and longan. Very slight differences exist among aalii species. Seed capsule colors can vary from greenish white to dappled pink to a fuchsia red. To insure a desired color, propagate by cuttings from a plant with the color you prefer. Some color variations, however, are dependent on growing conditions.
Although often described as a tree, aalii can be maintained dense and short for hedging or as a stand-alone shrub. It is very easily shaped into a small specimen tree revealing multiple curving trunks. Though the flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, they do have a subtle fragrance. The fruit that follows contains the seeds and appears in clusters that are attractive on the plant as well as when added to many types of lei. The aesthetic appeal of the plant is in its form as well as in the contrasting color and texture of the winged seed capsules against its shiny green leaves. The capsules change color as they mature and are even attractive when they dry and turn brown. They usually remain on the tree for months at a time.
aalii, like many other natives, is well suited to local growing conditions. This plant is very adaptable. It grows naturally at the coast as well as up to 7,000 feet in elevation. Though it will tolerate lots of soil types, it does best where the soil drains well. It can grow in full sun or part shade. It can tolerate wind, salt spray and high heat. Once established aalii plants are very drought tolerant. It needs little fertilizing and is not usually bothered by pests or diseases.
The natural growth habit of aalii is as a full shrub, making it a good hedging plant. It has a tendency to thin out at the bottom, particularly if the top shades out lower branches. This growth pattern makes it an ideal candidate for some very attractive shaping. Removing the lower branches reveals the interesting twists and turns of its trunk and branches. The plant tolerates pruning well as long as you don’t remove more than one-third of the leaves at a time. If left unchecked in ideal growing conditions, the plant can grow to 15 feet or more.
Beyond aalii’s attractive appearance in your garden, you can also incorporate the seed capsules and flowers into a lei. The capsules are often featured in haku lei for the head or for hat bands.
Though aalii can be propagated by cuttings, seed propagation is usually easier and more successful. If you want a particular variety, asexual propagation using cuttings is the best way to get a genetic match with the parent plant. Cuttings dipped in a rooting compound and placed in a moist mix of perlite and vermiculite should root and begin producing new leaves within a few months.
Seeds should be removed from the capsules when they are dry and placed in hot tap water then soaked for twenty-four hours before planting. Three parts perlite and one part potting mix is an ideal seeding mix for aalii. They may germinate in two weeks but can also take a few months to sprout. Once the seedlings produce at least two true leaves they can be repotted in a larger individual container in preparation for planting out. The plants will likely grow slowly and may not be ready to go into your garden for almost a year.
Most nurseries carry aalii. Call around to find them in the size, shape and seed capsule color you prefer. Though you may have to wait a few years for your plant or plants to get large enough for a hedge or an attractive specimen, you will surely be pleased to be growing such a good looking and versatile native Hawaiian plant.
Native plant specialist Peter Van Dyke reviewed this article for accuracy.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Gardening Events
Wednesday: “Little Fire Ant Control,” 5:30-8 p.m. at the UH Extension Office in Kealakekua. The Little Fire Ant (LFA) workshops and voucher program sponsored by the Hawaii County Department of Research and Development will instruct on control and offer vouchers to reduce the cost of ant bait and spreaders. Vouchers are available to adults who complete one of the upcoming LFA Workshops led by the Hawaii Ant Lab. Free. Class size is limited and registration is required. Info: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/rd-agriculture. Register: https://bit.ly/2eYWIvx
“Agricultural Water Testing Workshop,” 8-10:30 a.m. at Komohana Extension Center at 875 Komohana St. in Hilo, Room D-202. Information for commercial farmers affected by Food Safety Modernization Act requirements. Free. Registration is required. Info/register: Sharon Motomura at smotomur@hawaii.edu.
Friday: The “Master Gardener 2017 application deadline” is Dec. 9. The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program starts Jan. 24 and runs through mid-April. The course covers many aspects of gardening in Kona. The fee of $175 is paid in advance. Info/apply: https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/UHMG/WestHI/index.asp or Ty McDonald at 322-4884 or tym@hawaii.edu.
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden,” 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Info: Peter at 323-3318.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Wednesday and Friday: “Hooulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “South Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce.” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu