Cyanea grimesiana

Common Names

Haha, Splitleaf Cyanea

Summary

This Hawaiian lobelioid shrub in the Campanulaceae family is native to Oʻahu and Molokaʻi and is federally endangered. It grows as a shrub 1.0–3.2 m tall with prickly stems and foliage, and bears tubular flowers up to 8 cm long that are purple, green, or yellow with reddish stripes, followed by orange berries.

Its natural habitat is mesic forests, often with ʻōhiʻa and koa or rocky stream banks, at elevations roughly 351–945 m. Conservation efforts include ex situ propagation and reintroduction, with propagation at Lyon Arboretum and Pahole Plant Nursery and seeds stored at the National Tropical Botanic Gardens; major threats are habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats, competition from alien plants, and seed/fruit predation by rats.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3 ft 3 in – 10 ft 6 in

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Mesic forest soils, rock or a mix of rock and soil

Bloom Color

Purple, green, or yellow with reddish or magenta stripes

Bloom Time

Year-round (depends on rainfall)

Growth Rate

Short-lived; <10 years.

Seasons of Interest

Year-round

Propagation Methods

Seeds and tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts nectar-feeding birds and fruit-eating birds