Tag Archives: Native Hawaiian Plants

Snapshot: Hold the line

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Sebastian Marquez

This may look like an ordinary Clermontia kakeana but it is one that I have been keeping an eye on. It is descended from the last known kakeana from Kuli`ou`ou. It’s flowering too so we are doing what we can … Continue reading →

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Small Victories, Large Gains

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Sebastian Marquez

For all my consternation on where to take this blog into the future, what doesn’t change is the restoration work itself. While I am pondering the social media landscape, native plants are trying their darndest to survive. Case in point … Continue reading →

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #45 Brighamia rockii

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Sebastian Marquez

Brighamia rockii Conservation status: Endangered Distribution: Windward coast of Moloka`i Identification: : Form– Unbranched stem succulents 1-5 m tall stems stout, fleshy Leaves– 6-22 cm long, 5-15 cm wide Flower– calyx lobes oblong to elliptic, 2.5-8 mm long; corolla white, … Continue reading →

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #44 Cyanea pinnatifida

Posted on February 1, 2025 by Sebastian Marquez

Cyanea pinnatifida Conservation status: Endangered Distribution: Central Wai`anae Mtns Date photographed: 12/26/24 Identification: : Form– Shrubs 0.8-3 m tall; stems unbranched or sparingly branched Leaves– pinnately parted, cut 1/2-1/4 the distance to midrib, blades 25-60 cm long, 3.5-8 cm wide … Continue reading →

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Let’s talk about: Hibiscadelphus

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Sebastian Marquez

One of the many plants that I was happy to engage with from my trip to Limahuli last year was this guy: Hau kuahiwi (Hibiscadelphus distans). And I figure now would be a good a time as any to talk … Continue reading →

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Return of the Kings

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Sebastian Marquez

Let’s talk about the plight of 2 Ko`olau endemic taxa who were both on the very brink of extinction but are now on a tenuous path toward recovery. It’s a tale of destruction and despair but also of compassion and … Continue reading →

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #43 Lobelia oahuensis

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Sebastian Marquez

Lobelia oahuensis Conservation status: Endangered Distribution: Ko`olau Mountains, O`ahu Date photographed: 10/2/24 Identification: : Form– Stems woody, erect, 10-30 dm long, with a dense apical rosette of leaves. Leaves– elliptic, 40-60 cm long, 4-6 cm wide, upper surface glabrous, lower … Continue reading →

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Snapshot: Bacopa

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Sebastian Marquez

Areas of frequent washouts are prime habitat for weedy, ruderal species. These areas of persistent disturbance are highly susceptible to colonization by non-native species here in Hawai`i. Most stream and canals here in the state are filled with some of … Continue reading →

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Snapshot: A path to native forests

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Sebastian Marquez

How can a tiny seedling bring me so much joy? Last week, I was clearing around the base of several large olapa trees when I came across this little guy. Almost a decade ago, I did a post on identifying … Continue reading →

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #42 Cyanea coriacea

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Sebastian Marquez

Cyanea coriacea Hawaiian name: Haha Conservation status: Apparently secure Distribution: Kaua`i Date photographed: 6/29/24 Identification: : Form– Unbranched or sparingly branched shrubs 2.5-3 m tall Leaves– oblong to oblanceolate, blades 20-38 cm long, 6-12 cm wide, glabrous Flower– calyx lobes dentiform, … Continue reading →

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