Clermontia kakeana
A Hawaiian endemic Campanulaceae shrub or small tree (1–6 m) with a candelabra-branched habit on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu, terrestrial or epiphytic in montane rain forests at 245–1270 m, bearing 2–7-flowered pale green to white bilabiate inflorescences, greenish-white flowers with dark purple interiors, and orange berries.
Common Names
ʻŌhā Wai, Oha Wai, Hāhā
Summary
An Hawaii-endemic lobeliad in Campanulaceae with a candelabra-like, woody shrub or small tree growth form reaching 1–6 m, and large leaves 12–26 cm long adapted to semi-shaded habitats; it occurs in mesic forests and forest margins on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu, at elevations roughly 120–1,270 m; showy flowers are greenish-white to white externally with dark purple interiors, and berries ripen as large orange fruits; the species may be terrestrial or epiphytic.
Cultivation and uses: growth is difficult and highly pest-sensitive, with slugs, snails, and red spider mites; protection from strong afternoon sun, consistent moisture, and vigilant pest control are essential; moist, well-drained soils with partial sun are preferred; container culture can use a mix of equal parts peat, perlite, and black cinder plus native compost with mycorrhizal fungi, with regular fertilization; in-ground plantings require shade, moisture, slug/snail control, and frequent watering; historically, leaves were boiled and berries eaten fresh by ancient Hawaiians.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3 ft 3 in – 19 ft 8 in
Spread
10 feet or more
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial sun to partial shade.
Soil Type
Organic, well-drained soil; rich potting mix with equal parts peat, perlite, and black cinder
Soil Drainage
Moist, well-drained soil
Bloom Color
Greenish-white to white
Bloom Time
Winter to Spring
Foliage Color
Green with a pale green lower surface
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Seasons of Interest
Winter and Spring
Propagation Methods
Seeds
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts honeycreepers (pollinators)
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Meyen
- Publication
- Observ. Bot. 2: 139 (1835)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Asterales
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Genus
- Clermontia
Synonyms
Lobelia kakeana Clermontia glabra Clermontia grandiflora var. longifolia Clermontia kakeana var. forbesii Clermontia kakeana f. gracilis Clermontia kakeana f. rosea Clermontia kakeana var. rosea Clermontia macrocarpa Clermontia macrocarpa var. cymosa Clermontia macrocarpa var. rosea Clermontia macrophylla Clermontia mauiensis Clermontia montis-loa f. molokaiensis Clermontia kakeana var. orientalis