CCAG's plan to include Endemic Hawaiian Plants in Greenhouse

We have many plans to improve our Hawaiian greenhouse this winter, including the installation of a heat system and possible introduction of tropical reptile such as geckos or anoles.

Yellow 'Ilima, a coastal endemic vine i found in Hawaii last year

Though doable, such plans will take time and effort to implement, as they are expensive and might take convincing from my parents (especially letting feral lizards in a backyard greenhouse).

For now, we can focus on what’s doable-planting endemic species in the greenhouse

Much of the flora in the greenhouse today compose of non native plants that are found in Hawaii such as Hibiscus and pothos. The most prolific plant in the greenhouse is the Spiderwort, which is a creeping viney plant that has taken much of the wet spot territory. Even rare plants like are new Epidendrum orchids are non native to Hawaii

While these plants bring a tropical vibe to the greenhouse, it’s important to also include Hawaiian endemic plants, native to the region the greenhouse is named after.

I have a running list of the native plants that I am thinking about introducing into the greenhouse.

1. Yellow 'Ilima (see picture above)

This small, endemic member of the hibiscus family is a common vine that is found near coast environments. It has a wide range of uses, including making leis, providing traditional medicinal remedies, and use in landscaping for erosion control or as ground cover.

2. Māmaki

Mamaki is a small tree endemic to the wetter, tropical regions of the islands. It was used traditionally for various purposes, including making kapa cloth and tool. Its plant's leaves are rich in antioxidants like catechins and rutin.

3. Noni

While non-native to Hawaii, this plant is a canoe plant - it is among the several culturally significant plants brought to Hawaii by Polynesians before the 1700s. It is characterized by its glossy leaves and irregular white fruit. Traditional healers have used it for centuries to treat various ailments, including pain from muscle and joint issues, sores, and head lice.

4. Pā'ūohi'iaka

Pā'ūohi'iaka is a small native vine that is known to be a good erosion controller in coastal environments. The name Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka translates to "Skirt of Hiʻiaka" which references a Hawaiian legend, in which the plant was used to protect a Hawaiian goddess Hi'iaka while her sister was surfing.

5. Ma'o

Ma'o is a relative of the American cotton plant, both belonging to the genus Gossypium in the Malvaceae family. It was used to make yellow dyes and leis. By cross breeding Ma'o with American cotton, scientists were able to develop a pest-resistant cotton variety.

6. 'Akala

Akala is a Hawaiian raspberry which grows in mesic, high elevation forests. Akala translates to pink in Hawaiian, describing the pink/reddish fruit of the plant.

There are several other plants we are thinking about including although the top six are what we plan to be sown from seed and planted by April 2026.