In the Garden
Rick Barboza
‘Ohe Kiko‘ola
LATIN NAME
Tetraplasandra waimeae
This plant is closely related to a noxious weed that many of us are familiar with, the octopus tree. Called by many other names, including Schefflera, Brassaia, rubber tree and he'e, the octopus tree is an invasive plant, commonly used as an ornamental, that has taken over parts of Hawaii's mesic forests.
Its fruit, which resembles maroon octopus legs, is eaten by non-native birds, which widely disperse its seeds. Octopus trees can be seen taking over the forest along the H-3 on the Haiku side of the tunnels. By contrast, the 'ohe kiko'ola -- while in the Araliacea family -- is a rare, native species found only on Kauai.
Description: This gorgeous tree is about 30 feet tall with large, glossy, pinnate leaves. For those who aren't plant nerds, pinnate means that the entire leaf is made up of smaller leaflets, as seen in the picture. Flowers protrude up in a circular, umbrella-shaped cluster from the base of the leaf where it connects to the stem; these flowers are filled with nectar. Once they are pollinated, fruit about the size of big black olives develop with a round, reddish-pink cap. This cap is formed from the base of the calyx, the portion of flower that encases the petals when in bud.
Distribution: This plant is found only on the island of Kauai in the wet forest. Specimens can be admired roadside en route to Kalalau lookout in Kokee. You can distinguish 'ohe kiko'ola from the rest of the surrounding vegetation by the shape of its leaves and because it generally stands up taller and is more columnlike than the rest of the other smaller trees and shrubs.
Landscape use and care: 'Ohe kiko'ola are spectacular trees, but because of their rarity and difficulty in propagation, don't expect to see it at a garden shop any time soon. Not much is known about this particular plant for landscaping; I personally have only seen it growing in the wild. Other native members of this genus, Tetraplasandra, have been used in gardens, but on a very limited basis and usually by professionals in the field.
Although this and other native members of the genus are called 'ohe, it is not related to another Hawaiian plant called 'ohe: bamboo.
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.
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