The plant we know as galphimia is also commonly referred to as “spray of gold” in the many tropical and subtropical areas that it graces. The common name for this lovely shrub perfectly describes the sprays of small, lightly perfumed gold colored flowers that it produces year round.
In addition to adding background color to a landscape, galphimias also work well in a hedge, as potted specimens or as an attractive center of interest in a garden. It is especially well suited to hot, sunny, somewhat dry areas but does not tolerate salt spray well. Consider growing galphimia anywhere in West Hawaii that is at least 100 feet above sea level.
Galphimia is the genus name for this plant that is a member of the small Malpighiaceae family. Named after the 17th century Italian botanist Marcell Malpighi, the family includes around 10 Galphimia species as well as about 40 in the genus Malpighia including the acerola cherry tree (Magpighia emarginata). Plants in the genus Thryallis are also members of the family. Only about 10 in the family are grown in Hawaii, however.
Galphimia gracilis, a Mexican native, is very well suited to Kona’s climate and is grown in many local gardens for good reason. It has many commendable features. Its bright green leaves and loose growth habit make it an attractive natural hedge or stand alone shrub that only requires occasional pruning. The lovely flower sprays are slightly fragrant and persistent throughout the year. The long lasting inflorescent racemes leave small seed-containing fruit behind at petal drop. Collecting the seeds makes propagation easy.
New plants can also be propagated asexually from 3- to 4-inch cuttings. Semi-woody stems placed in a damp mix of vermiculite and perlite will usually put out new leaves within six weeks. A standard potting mix can also work but it is important that the propagation media remains damp, not wet or too dry. Dipping the planting tip of the stem in rooting compound can speed the production of roots and result in successful propagation.
Once you see new leaves on your cuttings or true leaves on your seedlings, the roots are starting to
grow. Replanting into a larger pot and adding a small amount of fertilizer can help your new plant thrive. When it is about 12 inches tall, it is probably strong enough to plant in the garden.
Plant galphimias in a sunny spot that gets some irrigation. Though tolerant of a range of soil conditions, they will do best in fertile soil that does not hold moisture. Once established they are fairly drought tolerant and will make an excellent addition to a xeriscape garden.
This plant has many horticultural uses. Mass plantings of galphimia can be appealing and useful either as a boundary or a backscape on a property. Singular plantings are well suited to smaller gardens and potted specimens can add color and interest to a lanai or outdoor patio.
Galphimias are hardy plants that need little attention or care. Though they usually grow to only 6 or 8 feet tall, occasional light pruning can help maintain the desired size and shape. Light fertilizing several times a year will keep them healthy and help them ward off insects or diseases. Though not usually attractive to insects, contacting any that arrive on your galphimia with a combination of safer soap and neem oil will usually kill off the attackers. The most prevalent cause of disease in galphimias is a result of overwatering, which means that the plant sits in soil that is too wet.
Though very few studies have been done on the health benefits of galphimia, it is considered a healing herb in Mexico and other Latin American countries. In its native Mexico, galphimia has long been used to treat asthma and allergies either directly or in homeopathic doses. The homeopathic formula has been shown to be especially effective in treating allergic symptoms like itchy, watering eyes. In Latin American medicine, galphimia has been traditionally used to treat anxiety. Without more studies on the health benefits of galphimia, its use is best limited to those familiar with its properties and doses.
Galphimia has many qualities that make it a desirable choice for Kona gardens. You will likely find it widely available in local nurseries as well as in the big box stores. If it proves hard to find, check with Margo at Sunrise Nursery to launch a search. She’s at 640-9191.
Of course, you can always find some specimens growing locally in gardens where owners might allow you to offer pruning in exchange for cuttings. However you acquire a galphimia plant, it will certainly be an excellent addition to your garden.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living in a dryland forest north of Kailua-Kona.
Gardening Events
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel 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. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Ho’oulu 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” from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pukalani Stables
“Waimea Town Market” from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Parker School in central Waimea
“Waimea Homestead Farmers Market” from 7 a.m. to noon next to Thelma Parker Gym in front of Thelma Parker Library.
Sunday: “Pure Kona Green Market” 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
“Hamakua Harvest” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highway 19 and Mamane Street in Honokaa
Plant Advice Lines Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu Tuesdays &Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu – 322-4892
Mon., Tues. &Fri: 9 a.m. to noon at UH CES at Komohana in Hilo 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu
