Kanawao

The kanawao, Hawaiian hydrangea (Broussaisia arguta), grows abundantly in the understory of native forests, high in the cold wet mountains. It is usually is less than 10 feet (3 m) tall. It can sometimes grow to be a small tree rising up to 20 feet (6 m) tall under ideal conditions. The kanawao does not do well in cultivation. It thrives in forests at higher elevations.

The kanawao can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands. It grows on all of the major islands except Ni‘ihau and Kaho‘olawe. It is not only endemic, it is a monotypic genus, meaning it is the only example of it’s genus in the world.

The Hawaiian proverb, “Hua kanawao ka liko o ke kapu,” means, “Kanawao seeds produce sacred leaf buds.” The fruit was especially sought after to give to infants of the ali‘i. The “sacred leaf bud” is a euphemism for children of ali’i. It was said to increase survival of infants, and was fed to mothers and infants from conception until the child could feed itself.

The main threats to the kanawao are deforestation, and feral pigs that dig up the roots of young plants. The native forest and kanawao have made significant recoveries in areas that have been fenced to keep pigs and grazing animals out.

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