In the Garden
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
IIlima is the flower of Oahu, and this variety is often strung into lei. The flowers also represent royalty and were used as a mild laxative. Tip: They add great color to salads. ‘Ilima
Latin name: Sida fallax
Distribution: 'Ilima is an indigenous common shrub or ground cover found on the coast and on up into the dry and mesic forest of all the Hawaiian islands.
Description: There are many different varieties of 'ilima in Hawaii. This particular type is a small shrub/bush with attractive, golden-orange flowers and soft silvery leaves.
Landscape use: This plant makes an attractive low hedge up to 4 feet tall. Plant it in full sun to achieve a maximum number of flowers and water less after plant shows signs of new growth.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a Native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. "In the Garden" runs Fridays.
Gardening Calendar
In the Garden runs Fridays in Today.
