In the Garden
Rick Barboza
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
‘Akulikuli
Latin name: Sesuvium portulacastrum
Description: 'Akulikuli is a very low, crawling ground cover with bright green, oblong leaves that are very succulent. The stems are bright red, and little purple or pink flowers emerge from the leaf axis. It is a very attractive ground cover and adds color to any garden.
Distribution: 'Akulikuli is an indigenous coastal ground cover found on all Hawaiian islands as well as other islands in the Pacific. Naturally, it grows on both rocky and sandy beaches or around estuaries and marshes.
Cultural use: Even though you'd need a bunch, the flowers can be strung into a many-stranded lei. It looks awesome!
Landscape use: Don't be mislead by its beauty; 'akulikuli is tough -- very drought-, wind- and salt-tolerant. It is a great ground cover for any garden and does best with lots of sun.
In its natural setting, 'akulikuli forms a dense mat. This look can be achieved in landscape by reducing the watering schedule from daily to every two to three days (depending on how hot and dry your area is) once the plants show signs of new growth. If the plant is watered too often, it will grow quickly, but its leaves will not be as succulent. Few pests bother this plant, but because it is so thick, watch out for slugs.
"In the Garden" runs Fridays Rick Barboza is co-owner of Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native Hawaiian plant nursery. Contact him at 259-6580 or e-mail rickbarboza@hawaii.rr.com.
Gardening Calendar
