Schiedea membranacea
Genus
Schiedea
Species
membranacea
Common Names
- Papery schiedea
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Partially Woody / Shrub-like
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3
- Herbaceous, Tall, Greater than 3
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
If planted in the ground, keep alert for slugs and snails.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Greenish-White
- Light Purple
Plant texture
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Slugs and snails favor the leaves.
Fertilizer
A foliar feeding of kelp or fish emulsion every other month has excellent results. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Except to remove spent leaves and fruit, none required.
Water Requirements
- Moist
Additional Water Information
This Schiedea is drought tolerant. If it does not receive water it will die back to the ground. But under cultivation this sometimes this will happen anyway, even when ample water is provided. Do not be alarmed if plants die back to a stump and do not throw them out. You can allow them to dry out somewhat and resume watering in a month or two. New growth will soon appear. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Partial sun
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Schiedea membranacea is found from about 1600 to just over 3800 feet in moist, rocky sites and bases of cliffs in mesic forest. This endengered species is endemic to north and west Kauaʻi. There it is found in the exterioir valleys of Mahanaloa, Kuʻia and Paʻaiki, the rim of Kalalau Valley, Nuʻalolo Valley, Wainiha, and in the Waimea Canyon area from Waiʻalae Ridge and upper Koaiʻe Canyon.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Maʻoliʻoli 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 membrancea means membrane or parchment, referring to the leaves. [1]
Background Information
This species is one of the few deciduous perennial Schiedea. During the dry season, the herb dies back to the ground leaving a fleshy root. With the rainy season, new foliage appears followed by the flowering and fruiting period. [1]
Additional References
[1] "Monograph of Schiedea (Caryophyllaceae-Alsinoideae)" by Warren L. Wagner, pages 41-42, 44.
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=50823119%40N08&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Schiedea%20membranacea
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