Clermontia oblongifolia

Common Names

Oahu Clermontia, Oha Wai

Summary

An endemic Hawaiian lobelioid in the Campanulaceae family, the plant is a shrub or small tree known as ʻōhā wai and comprises three subspecies: ssp. oblongifolia (the more common form on Oʻahu in rainforest habitat); ssp. mauiensis (endangered, with only a single plant remaining on Maui and formerly on Lānaʻi); and ssp. brevipes (endangered on Molokaʻi with fewer than 30 plants). Leaves are oblong with thickened rounded teeth; flowers occur in groups of 2–3 on a stalk, each flower about 6–8 cm long, with calyx and corolla forming an arched tube; exterior color greenish white or purplish, interior white or cream; fruit is an orange berry about 1.8–3 cm long.

Habitat includes wet forests on Oʻahu (2,800–3,000 ft) and montane wet forests on steep windward slopes, with Molokaʻi populations at 1,066–1,189 m. Conservation and management efforts include protected habitats, exclosures, monitoring, genetic storage and propagation for restoration, and multiple translocations; threats include habitat destruction by feral animals and competition from exotic plants, with ongoing endangered‑species status and small wild populations requiring continued conservation action.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6.6-23 ft

Soil Type

Volcanic soils with peat overlaying an impervious clay substrate.

Soil Drainage

Poorly drained

Bloom Color

Greenish white or purplish outside; white or cream-colored inside.