Rhus sandwicensis

photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Best practices for survivability and field observations

Respondents note that it can be aggressive, that it has runners (perhaps playing an early successional role) and that it prefers wetter environments like Kawainui (O‘ahu) and Keaukaha, Hawai‘i Island. Another mentions that it grows in old sugarcane plantations, and is wild all over the east side of Hawai‘i Island from the coastal areas and above Hilo. Another mentions that its habit is similar to wauke (Broussonetia papyrifera) with many root shoots and that it survives on young lava flows (but speculates that it doesnʻt have enough nutrients so it has yellow leaves).

Stressors and pests

One mentioned that boring insect kills it when growing in sandy soil.

Availability and propagation

Generally, not available in nurseries, although they are available as seedlings (upon request). However, respondents say there are many root suckers under trees which can be transplanted. One respondent says that cuttings at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens have been outplanted at Kawainui, O‘ahu. Another notes that in moist lowlands, it doesn’t set seed much (if at all) but produces root sprouts.

Survey Results

For information about the survey, refer to our article: on Coastal Plants for Creating Green Breaks