Cyanea superba subsp. regina
This extinct, endemic Hawaiian lobelioid subspecies native to Oʻahu was historically found in the Koʻolau and Wai‘anae Mountains, not seen since 1932, and bore larger corollas than the other subspecies.
Common Names
Mt. Kaala Cyanea, Superb Cyanea, Hāhā
Summary
Mt. Kaala Cyanea is a Hawaiian lobelioid endemic to Oʻahu, native to mesic forests in the Koʻolau Mountains, and grows as a palm-like tree up to about 20 ft tall; it bears white to cream flowers with purple veins that can bloom any time of year under suitable conditions and is known by the Hawaiian name haha.
Conservation relies on cultivation in Hawaii, with plants planted in habitat and some flowering and seed production observed; more than 50,000 seeds have been stored by the U.S. Army to support ex situ preservation and ongoing propagation.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
20 feet
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-drained, rocky volcanic substrate; organic-rich soil
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Bloom Color
White
Bloom Time
Year-round
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees, other pollinators, and birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Subspecies
- Author
- (Wawra) Lammers
- Publication
- Syst. Bot. 13: 504 (1988)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Asterales
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Genus
- Cyanea
- Species
- Cyanea superba