Cyanea truncata

Common Names

Punaluu Cyanea, Haha

Summary

Punaluu cyanea (haha) is a rare, unbranched or sparsely branched shrub native to Oahu, Hawaii, reaching about 3–4 ft tall with large oval leaves 22–60 cm long and 10–26 cm wide; the upper leaf surface is hairless and the lower surface hairy pale green with hardened teeth; inflorescences carry 8–40 white flowers with magenta stripes on stalks 5–28 cm long, each flower 3.2–4.2 cm long with spreading corolla lobes; fruits are round orange berries about 9 mm long; flowers are borne on horizontal or hanging stalks, and the plant is among the rarest Hawaiian lobeliads, pollinated by native birds and insects.

Conservation and cultivation: Federally endangered, with propagation by seeds and cuttings and existence in cultivation; some individuals planted in suitable habitat; ex situ holdings exist and offspring have been outplanted in habitat; exclosures protect populations from feral pigs, with long‑term maintenance and fire protection needed; three populations have been outplanted; major threats include feral pigs, invasive plants such as kukui, ti, and Christmas berry, and rats and slugs; habitat is windward slopes in mesic to wet forests at 240–400 m, and restoration efforts focus on establishing new populations in safe harbors, augmenting wild populations, and ongoing monitoring.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3 feet 3 inches-4 feet 0 inches

Spread

2-12 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Fertile volcanic soil

Bloom Color

White with magenta stripes

Bloom Time

Fall and Winter

Foliage Color

Pale green

Seasons of Interest

Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts hummingbirds, other pollinators (insects), birds