Matching Plants
ʻŌhelo kai
The federal status of the plant (Endangered, Threatened, or Not listed) based on the US Fish and Wildlife Services Environmental Conservation Online System as of 6/26/2024. Also see "Population Status" designations (PEPP, SWAP). Learn more.
NoneThe Hawaiian name(s) or other common name(s) of the plant.
ʻŌhelo kaiThe taxonomic family for the plant.
SolanaceaeOther names the plant may be called.
Hawaiʻi desert-thornDoes your site's environmental conditions meet this plant's needs?
The climate zones where this plant grows best. Learn more.
Salt tolerance is variable. If your site is right on the coast with direct salt spray, do some additional research to determine its tolerance. Learn more.
YesIf the plant grows better above or below 2,000' in elevation. Learn more.
<2,000 Feet OnlySelect what best represents the amount of sunlight at the planting site.
The amount of water the plant needs: 1 is lowest, 5 is highest. Learn more.
1-2Plant prefers well-drained soil. Learn more.
YesDoes this plant meet your landscaping needs?
The plant's growth form.
ShrubThe range of height of a fully-grown plant, in feet.
2-3.3'The range of width of a fully-grown plant, in feet.
3-5'Select the landscape design role you are looking for. Learn more.
Containers, Ground CoverSelect a flower color or other attractive feature to filter for those plants. Learn more.
Red, OtherDoes this plant have the personality you're looking for?
How easy it is to find the plant. Learn more.
VariableSelect options below to match your gardening experience. Learn more.
AverageWhether or not the plant is short-lived. Learn more.
NoIf the plant spreads, how evenly. Learn more.
VariableIf the plant needs pruning or not. Learn more.
Minimal pruningDoes this plant provide the ecosystem and/or ethnotobanical benefits you're looking for?
Hilary-to finish this column 2/7/24
How the Ancient Hawaiians used the plant: food, tools, shelter, canoes, medicine, spiritual, crafts, lei, ornamental, and/or fire.
LeiNot all native plants, birds occur on all islands. Select to show only what naturally occurs on your island. Learn more.
Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Maui, HawaiʻiProtection status for the plant under Federal and Hawai'I state laws. Learn more.
NoneThe native status of the plant in Hawaiʻi: Indigenous (found natively throughout Hawaiʻi), Endemic (found natively in specific areas), or Canoe (brought to Hawaiʻi by Ancient Hawaiians from other places in Polynesia). Learn more.
IndigenousWelcome to the Go Native App
Things will go here.
Great groundcover for low elevation and coastal sites, but also fine at higher elevations with good drainage. Thrives in sandy, rocky soil. Will flower and fruit a year from planting and produce decorative red berries.