For those who want to include native Hawaiian plants in their garden, the lovely pa’u-o-hi’iaka would be a good choice, especially at lower elevations. This delightful, groundcover maintains a low profile and has many gardener-pleasing features. Pa’u is often found
For those who want to include native Hawaiian plants in their garden, the lovely pa’u-o-hi’iaka would be a good choice, especially at lower elevations. This delightful, groundcover maintains a low profile and has many gardener-pleasing features. Pa’u is often found growing over rocks and sand near the ocean and would be an excellent plant to consider growing in poor soil, at dry locations and over rocks. Once rooted, the plant will send out tendrils that can spill over a wall or crawl across the ground blooming small white or light blue flowers all the way.
Known botanically as Jacquemontia sandwicensis, this plant is one of the many members of the Convolvulaceae, or morning glory family. Among the native species of morning glory vines, the Hawaiian moon flower is a close relative. The edible sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is another well-known relative. Pa’u-o-hi’iaka is endemic to Hawaii meaning it originated here as a separate species from its many relatives.
The generic name for this plant, Jacquemontia, honors Victor Jacquemont who was a French geologist and botanical explorer living in the early 1800s. The botanical species name, sandwicensis, refers to the name given to the Hawaiian Islands by Captain Cook. This gesture by Cook was to thank John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, for the financial support of his voyages.
The Hawaiian name, pa’u-o-hi’iaka, translates literally to the “skirt of Hi’iaka,” sister of the goddess Pele. According to legend, this plant grew to cover and protect baby Hi’iaka while she was sleeping unattended on the beach. It would certainly provide a lovely green and flowery skirt fit for a goddess.
The plant rarely grows over 8 inches high, staying low to the ground as it sends out leafy tendrils from the base. The tendrils can grow quite long and will often root at a node helping to hold the plant in high winds or heavy rains. This quality makes pa’u-o-hi’iaka a good choice for erosion prevention on a slope or in a flood zone. The elliptical-shaped leaves are often bright green though some varieties are tomentose with tiny white hairs causing the leaves to take on a silvery appearance.
Pa’u-o-hi’iaka flowers are tiny but plentiful, appearing either singly or in clusters all along the tendrils. Depending on the variety, the flowers may be white or pale blue. Though the plant flowers year round, heavy flowering is usually from December to July. Seed capsules, often containing one to four seeds, begin forming following flowering. Once mature, they turn brown and drop off.
For seed propagation, collect the capsules as they are turning brown and store until they are completely dry. The small brown seeds inside need to be carefully separated from the capsules before planting. Plant the seeds on a dry mixture of three parts perlite to one part potting mix and water them in. Keep them protected from sun and wind until they germinate. This may take as little as a week, or as long as 60 days. After germination, keep them protected for another few weeks before moving them into the sun to harden off.
Once you have a few plants going it is quite easy to propagate from cuttings. Look for any nodes along the tendrils that may have grown roots. These would, obviously, be the best ones to use. Lacking rooted cuttings, any pieces of 4 to 5 inches, with the softer green tips removed, should work. Choose ones with at least three nodes. For best results remove all the leaves from your cutting. In a moist mix of three parts perlite and one part vermiculite, insert at least one node into the medium. No rooting hormone is necessary. Keep the medium moist and the cuttings should develop new roots within a few months. After three months, they should be ready to out plant.
Plant pa’u-o-hi’iaka in an area where it has room to spread. It will grow best in full sun in soil that drains well. Although you’ll need to water it daily for about two weeks and apply a balance fertilizer to encourage a good start, it will need little care once established. The plant has few needs and, if kept healthy, is usually not bothered by pests.
In a location where it gets sufficient water to grow thickly, it could possibly provide a hiding place for slugs or snails. Application of slug baits that are nontoxic to birds or pets should be routine these days here on the Big Island. Iron phosphate-based Sluggo is widely available, nontoxic to birds or mammals and affordable. Regular bait applications can greatly reduce or eliminate any gastropods that may carry rat lung disease.
The beauty of pa’u-o-hi’iaka in a garden, whether hugging the ground or spilling over walls or rocky outcroppings, is undeniable. Some gardeners may also consider planting this delightful native with prostrate ilima. The ilima has similar tolerances and the combination can fill in an area nicely with foliage as well as flowers.
Call around to find plants. Local nurseries stock pa’u-o-hi’iaka from time to time or may be able to put you on a list to call when they get some in. Pa’u-o-hi’iaka seeds are often available at the Community Seed Library in the Kailua-Kona Public Library.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living in a dryland forest north of Kailua-Kona.
