Munroidendron racemosum

Main Plant Information

Genus

Munroidendron

Species

racemosum

Hawaiian Names with Diacritics

• Pōkalakala

Hawaiian Names

• Pokalakala

Common Names

• Munroidendron

Synonyms

• Tetraplasandra racemosa

Plant Characteristics

Distribution Status

Endemic

Endangered Species Status

Federally Listed

Plant Form / Growth Habit

• Tree

Mature Size, Height

• Tree, Small, 15 to 30

Life Span

Long lived (Greater than 5 years)

Landscape Uses

• Provides Shade
• Screening
• Specimen Plant
• Container
• Accent

Plant Produces Flowers

Yes

Flower Characteristics

Flower Type

Showy

Flower Colors

• Red
• Yellow

Additional Flower Color Information

Approximately 250 small pale yellow flowers with reddish centers hang on impressive unbranched racemes 10 to 24 inches long. The species name racemosum refers to this spectacular ponytail-like hanging inflorescence.

Blooming Period

• Year Round
• Sporadic

Additional Blooming Period Information

Munroidendron may lose many of its leaves during a dry summer blooming period. An equally remarkable raceme of downy white egg-shaped fruits (drupes), each under an inch long, follows that flowering period. The inside of the fruits are deep purple with flat seeds.

Leaf Characteristics

Plant texture

• Medium

Additional Plant Texture Information

Munroidendron leaves are 6 to 12 inches long with five to nine oval or elliptical leaflets. Each leaflet is 3 to 7 inches long. The unfolded immature leaves at the end of each branch resemble small fuzzy clasping hands.

Leaf Colors

• Medium Green
• Dark Green

Additional Leaf Color Information

The surface of the leaves are smooth, while the undersides are covered with dense golden yellowish fuzz.

Pests and Diseases

Additional Pest & Disease Information

Munroidendron is prone to ants, red spider mites and spotted leaf hoppers.

Growth Requirements

Fertilizer

Young munroidendron trees benefit from an application of a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly for young trees with kelp or fish emulsion, or a water-soluble fertilizer with a dilution of one half to one third of recommended strength. [David Eickhoff, NPH]

Water Requirements

Dry

Additional Water Information

Water weekly until well established, indicated by forming new leaves at branch tips or center in young plants. Thereafter, trees will require moderate ammounts of watering to keep them healthy.

Soil must be well drained

Yes

Light Conditions

• Full sun
• Partial sun

Tolerances

• Drought
• Wind
• Salt Spray

Soils

• Cinder
• Organic

Environment and Miscellaneous

Natural Zones

• 150 to 1000, 50 to 100
• 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100

Natural Range

• Kauaʻi

Additional Growth Environment Information

Munroidendron is endemic to Kauaʻi where it is very rare in the wild. Most natural populations are found on steep exposed cliffs or on ridge slopes in coastal to lowland mesic forests about 395 to over 1,300 feet.

Other populations are found in hala ( Pandanus tectorius ) mesic forests, alien plant-dominated shrubland, or grasslands ( Eragrostis sp.).

This beautiful species is now found in only four natural locations on Kauaʻi. [2]

Special Notes and Information

Munroidendron belongs to an endemic monotypic genus, that is, a genus having only one species, in the Ginseng or Aralia (Araliaceae) family.

Other endemic examples of a monotypic genus in Hawaiian Islands can be found in a native begonia called pua maka nui ( Hillebrandia sandwicensis ), kanaloa ( Kanaloa kahoolawensis ), olonā ( Touchardia latifolia ), kanawao ( Broussaisia arguta ), and a tall species of grass ( Dissochondrus biflorus ).

The genus Munroidendron was named in honor of George C. Munro (1866-1963), a manager of Molokaʻi Ranch, ornithologist and botanist. The suffix “dendron” added to the genus name means “tree.”

The Hawaiian name Pōkalakala was apparently used by early Hawaiians. [1]

Modern Use:

Preliminary tests with the fruits produce a rich purple dye when wet and dry to a lighter plum color. [Kaʻiulani de Silva, Kapa Mau]

Landscape Use:

Munroidendron has an excellent landscape potential for lowland and urban areas due to hardiness and ability to thrive in dry areas. Though one of the rarest native members in the family, it is one of the easiest to grow and maintain under cultivation. They are also one of the most rewarding trees for lowland urban gardeners and landscapers. Munroidendron are rather quick growing trees, flowering and fruiting at a young age.

Alien birds such as Mejiro, or Japanese white-eye, visit flowering trees frequently to sip nectar from the flowering raceme. Red-vented and red-whiskered bulbuls, and spotted doves can be seen feeding on ripe fruits in the urban garden. [David Eickhoff, NPH]

This beautiful native tree may be grown in containers if provided with part shade to full sun and fertilizers at half strength. [3]

Additional References

[1] “The Story of Lānaʻi” by George C. Munro, page 199.

[2] “Sublime Beauty–Hawaiʻi’s Trees” by Jim Wageman, page 22.

[3] “Container Gardening in Hawaii” by Janice Crowl, page 51.