Thespesia populnea

photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Best practices for survivability and field observations

Noted by several respondents as an aggressive, long-living species which forms thickets in sandy soils. Found in South Maui anchialine ponds and wet windward areas. On O‘ahu, it is also noted from restoration sites in Moanalua, Ala Mahamoe, Wai‘anae, Keawa‘ula and in various public lands and beach parks. It is noted as a hardy species, providing good shade, staying “green even in hot, dry conditions” although one described it as messy if planted within the urban zone. One noted the importance of outplanting in wet season, and watering “somewhat through the first dry season.” Another noted that the species sucks a lot of “phosphorus out of soils and its litter decomposes really quickly (therefore, a good species if you want to enhance the rate of nutrient cycling).” Another noted that its water seeking roots can be destructive (presumably around buildings). Cultural uses include the wood, dye for kapa printing, and kaula.

Stressors and pests

One participant noted that it dies if inundated with water in flooding season, and is susceptible to mealybugs and aphids as seedlings. Another said it will die back in severe drought but usually sprouts again from the base. The species is susceptible to deer rubbing.

Availability and propagation

Many noted that it is readily available from seeds (which are abundant) and easily propagated. Respondents said it is available as seedlings near already established trees (another noted it is readily available on Hawai‘i Island). Another noted that it is self-propagating, salt tolerant and grows fairly fast, with out-planting success for seedlings a year old.

Survey Results

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