Schiedea hookeri
Genus
Schiedea
Species
hookeri
Common Names
- Sprawling schiedea
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
At Risk
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Short, Less than 1
- Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3
Mature Size, Width
This schiedea has an approximately 4-foot spread.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
This rare plant is a great groundcover or accent plant under the right conditions and can live for many years. [1]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Greenish-White
- Purple
- White
Additional Flower Color Information
White flowers with green or purple sepals.
Blooming Period
- Sporadic
- April
- May
- June
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The blooming period for this rare schiedea in its natural habitat is from April to June. [2] In cultivation, the blooming period appear to be more sporadic. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant texture
- Fine
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves range from 1 to over 3 inches long.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Plants are prone to slugs, root mealy bugs, aphids, thrips and red spider mites.
Fertilizer
An application of a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly with kelp or fish emulsion, or a water-soluble fertilizer with a dilution of one half to one third of recommended strength. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
None necessary except to remove spent leaves and flower spikes.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
This schiedea can also tolerate moist conditions. Drooping leaves in the morning may indicate that plants should be watered but will typically droop in full sun. Water plants several times a week in extended periods of drought. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Will tolerate full sun, but appears to do best in partial sunny locations. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Spacing Information
Plant about 1 to 2 feet apart for ground cover use. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Limitations
Drought tolerant once established. But does best watered on a regular basis during prolonged dry periods. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
- Maui
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Additional Habitat Information
Scattered and sometimes locally common at around 1150 to over 2600 feet in diverse mesic forest in the northern and central Waiʻanae Mountains, Oʻahu. A single specimen was found in East Maui (Haleakalā), but is presumed extinct there.
As with most schiedea, this species naturally grows on north-facing locations in their habitat. [2]
Special Features and Information
General Information
Schiedea belong to the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae). Notable members include catchflies, pinks and carnations.
Schiedea is an endemic genus of 34 species--all of which are considered vulnerable, rare, or endangered, with a few extinct.
Etymology
The generic name Schiedea is named in honor of Christian J. Schiede (1798-1836), German-born physician who collected in Mexico.
The specific epithet hookeri is named in honor of Sir William Jackson Hooker (1785-1865), English botanist and first Director of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England. [3]
Additional References
[1] Steve Weller (Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine)
[2] "Monograph of Schiedea (Caryophyllaceae-Alsinoideae)" by Warren L. Wagner, pages 22-23, 111-113.
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Jackson_Hooker [Accessed 12/28/10]
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
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