Panaewa Zoo in Hilo is well-known for its interesting collection of wildlife, but most folks don’t know it also has a great collection of tropical vireya rhododendrons, palms and bamboos.
This is thanks to Hawaii Island’s vireya, palm and bamboo societies.
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Oct. 16), the Vireya Society offers an open invitation to the public to learn more about these beautiful plants. It also is a chance to get some starter specimens for your garden, so if it’s not too late, check it out.
Next Sunday, Oct. 23, the Palm Society invites the public to a rare palm seed exchange. It is a potluck, so bring your favorite dish and visit the extensive palm collection at the zoo.
There also will be a free loulu palm giveaway from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the zoo. For further information contact Mary Lock at marylock@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 430-0401.
You will have an opportunity to obtain many rare and endangered species, including the genus Pritchardia, important because it is endemic — that is it found only in Hawaii. Of course, there are exceptions to this. Two species are found in the South Pacific.
The Hawaiian loulu actually evolved here and are found growing naturally only in Hawaii. At one time, there might have been many dozens of species, but with the introduction of the Polynesian rat and pig, many must have perished. Later introduction of grazing animals did further damage so now there are only remnants of what must have been vast populations of loulu.
Native Pritchardia palms are truly a vanishing species in Hawaii. Of some 26 species of Pritchardia in the world, 24 are natives of Hawaii. The others are found in Fiji and the Tuamotos.
It is a shame many of these species have declined in number to the point they are almost extinct. It’s suspected there might have been other species present on other Pacific islands, but they have probably disappeared as humans with pigs and rats migrated though out the tropical Pacific thousands of years ago.
In Hawaii, the Kona loulu, or Pritchardia, affinis or Pritchardia maideniana, is a tree from the Puna, Kona and Ka‘u districts. These palms were at one time found abundantly from Kalapana along the coast to Punaluu and North Kona, a distance of more than 150 miles. Today, only occasional isolated specimens can be found.
Few seedlings appear around the parent plants. Without man’s help, they, too, will disappear. Another species, Pritchardia schattaueri, might also have been common at one time in upland areas of leeward Hawaii Island, but was reduced to just a few trees near Honomalino when identified as a new species late in the 20th century.
Kona loulu is rarely found in the wild and only occasionally in the landscape. The most common types are the two introduced species from the South Pacific. These are Pritchardia thurstonii and Pritchardia pacifica. Thurston’s loulu is noted for flower clusters up to 6 feet long. Pritchardia pacifica has very large leaves that were used in the old days as sunshades and umbrellas. These species are adapted to dry coastal locations.
The Kona loulu prefers sunny, drier locations but has been grown at elevations as high as 3,000 feet. The other rare Kona loulu is named after George Schattauer, Kona kamaaina. A few trees are found above Kaohe, Honomalino and Hookena. This species and Pritchardia beccariana from Kulani Prison Road near Volcano are being distributed on the Big Island. The latter is a spectacular rain forest palm with leaves almost 6 feet across. It prefers moist locations with wind protection.
It’s important to the survival of many of these beautiful species to use them in our gardens. Unfortunately, most nurseries do not carry the native loulus, and seed of some species are difficult to obtain.
To propagate loulu and many other palms, plant fresh seeds in flats or shallow boxes filled with soil. Cover the seeds with from 1/8 to 1 inch of soil, depending on the size of the seed.
Keep the soil in the flats moist but not wet. Damping off fungi are likely to ravage the tiny seedlings if the soil is kept soggy.
Seed flats can be covered with clear plastic to keep in warmth and moisture. This will speed up germination. Be sure to keep seed and seedlings protected from rats.
Germination time of palm seed varies widely with the species and requires patience. They might not peek out of the ground for several months following planting.
Pot the plants in 1 gallon containers after they sprout. A suggested potting mixture is equal parts soil or cinder and rotted compost. Fertilize monthly with a complete fertilizer.
When the seedlings are 1 to 2 feet tall, transplant them to 5 gallon containers or plant them in the ground. Loulu palms are well-suited for planting in groups as specimens or for lining driveways. Young palms require coddling until established, then they thrive with very little attention, other than sun, fertilizer and water.
For other home garden questions, call the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Master Gardener helpline in Hilo and Kona.
