In the Garden
Rick Barboza
Hao
LATIN NAME
Rauvolfia sandwicensis
Description: This plant is one of a few native plants related to plumeria that is not native. This gorgeous tree reaches heights of up to 30 feet, but generally remains in the 5- to 10-foot range, with elliptical leaves that form whorls of up to seven leaves per node. Each leaf has smooth margins, is bright green with a yellow mid-rib and about 5 inches in length.
The flowers are tiny, white and emerge in clusters just like plumeria, with a similar fragrance. Surprisingly, given its small size, its scent is easy to pick up. Once pollinated, the flowers will form small fruit that turn dark purple/black when ripe.
The tree's outer bark is light tan, as is the hard inner wood. The name "hao" is also the Hawaiian word for iron or iron tool. Like the plumeria, hao also bleeds a milky sap when leaves or stems are broken.
Distribution: This is an uncommon tree found mostly in mesic forests and occasionally in the lower dry forests on all the larger Hawaiian islands except Kahoolawe, although it may have grown there in the past.
Landscape use and care: Hao look great anywhere and would be seen more often if more were available. It's sad that more people are familiar with its nonnative cousin, the plumeria. Hao could be planted as a specimen plant or used to fill blank spaces. I think this plant is awesome; I love the way it looks as well as the beauty it adds to landscapes.
They thrive in full sun to light shade and require minimal watering once established. You can plant it anywhere you would normally plant a plumeria tree. Few pests bother hao because most don't like its milky sap.
Also: This is one of a few native plants related to plumeria that are in the family Apocynacea. Other native plants in this family include maile (Alyxia oliviformis), which is still fairly common; rare holei (Ochrosia spp.); and extremely rare kaulu (Pteralyxia spp.).
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native Hawaiian plant nursery. Contact him at 259-6580 or e-mail rickckbarboza@aol.com.
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