Wilkesia hobdyi

Common Names

Dwarf Iliau

Summary

The dwarf iliau is an endemic Hawaiian shrub from Kaua'i that grows to about 60 cm tall with branches from the base and tufts of narrow leaves at the tips. Leaves are whorled and 7.5–15 cm long, about 1.3 cm wide, and the plant bears cream-colored flower heads about 2 cm in diameter in clusters roughly 25–50 cm long. It occurs on dry, nearly vertical rock outcroppings in western Kaua'i at elevations around 275–400 m, where annual rainfall is less than 1,200 mm.

Conservation and cultivation efforts include seed storage and ex situ propagation, with the National Tropical Botanical Garden propagating and maintaining Makaha founders and seeds sent to the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, while the Hawaii DLNR monitors status. Major threats are grazing by feral goats and encroachment by alien grasses, which increase erosion and fire risk, with plants largely restricted to cliff habitats. Recovery actions include fencing and ungulate control, invasive plant management, captive propagation for genetic storage, and reintroduction, with outplanting of 20 individuals at Kalepa and Nounou Forest Reserves and additional outplanting planned at Haeleele Ridge.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-2.5 feet

Spread

20 inches

Soil Type

Rocky, dry soil

Bloom Color

Cream-colored

Bloom Time

Winter

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts insects (pollinators)