Spermolepis hawaiiensis

Main Plant Information

Genus

Spermolepis

Species

hawaiiensis

Common Names

• Hawaiʻi scaleseed
• Hawaiʻi spermolepis

Plant Characteristics

Distribution Status

Endemic

Endangered Species Status

Federally Listed

Plant Form / Growth Habit

• Non-Woody, Clumping

Mature Size, Height (in feet)

• Herbaceous, Short, Less than 1
• Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3

Life Span

Short lived (Less than 5 years)

Landscape Uses

• Accent
• Container

Additional Landscape Use Information

Most will look at the Hawaiʻi scaleseed as little more than a weed. They are perhaps more of a rare novelty or for the herb garden than a true landscape plant. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]

Plant Produces Flowers

Yes

Flower Characteristics

Flower Type

Not Showy

Flower Colors

• White

Additional Flower Color Information

Plants form loose clusters of 2 to 6 tiny white flowers.

Blooming Period

• Spring
• Winter

Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information

Under cultivation, Hawaiʻi scaleseed bloom from late winter into late spring and produce seed in summer months. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]

It is distinguished from other native memebrs of the family by being a non-succulent annual with umbrella-shaped inflorescence. [1]

Leaf Characteristics

Plant texture

• Fine

Additional Plant Texture Information

The feathery foliage is similar to some other members of the Parsley family (Apiaceae), such as dill or fennel.

Leaf Colors

• Light Green
• Medium Green

Pests and Diseases

Additional Pest & Disease Information

Occasionally spittle bugs or small unidentified caterpillars. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]

Growth Requirements

Fertilizer

Little seems be required, but does appreciate monthly foliar or drench fertlizing at diluted half or third of the full strength. Appears most beneficial prior to and during the flowering period. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]

Pruning Information

None needed. However, collect ripe seed when they turn light to medium brown. These can be sown for new plants.

Water Requirements

• Moist

Soil must be well drained

Yes

Light Conditions

• Full sun
• Partial sun

Additional Lighting Information

If well watered, they appear to do best in full sun.

Soils

• Cinder
• Organic

Limitations

Seed need to be collected since these are annuals.

Environmental Information

Natural Range

• Kauaʻi
• Oʻahu
• Molokaʻi
• Lānaʻi
• Maui
• Hawaiʻi

Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)

• 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
• 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
• 2000 to 2999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
• 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)

Habitat

• Terrestrial

Additional Habitat Information

The Hawaiʻi scaleseed is known from various types of habitats, including ʻōhiʻa forests, ʻaʻaʻliʻi lowland dry shrublands, pastures, and cultivated fields where is sometimes mistaken for a European weed.

Now extinct on Molokaʻi.

Special Features and Information

General Information

Spemolepis is a genus of five species from North America, Argentina, and the Hawaiian Islands in the Parsley family (Apiaceae) with some 3,000 species worldwide.

Familar herbs and roots in Apiaceae include parsely, cumin, dill, chervil, angelica, celery, caraway, gotu cola or pennywort, arracacha, cilantro/coriander*, carrot, fennel, cicely, parsnip, and anise.

Native relatives of Hawaiʻi scaleseed ( Spermolepis hawaiiensis ) include the endemics makou ( Peucedanum sandwicense ) and four species of snakeroot ( Sanicula spp.). Also included is the American carrot ( Daucus pusillus ) which is indigenous or perhaps an early introduction.

• Coriandrum sativum leaves are known as cilantro, while seeds are referred to as coriander.

Etymology

The generic name Spermolepis is derived from the Greek sperma , seed, and lepis , scale, referring to the frequently bumpy (tuberculate) or spiny fruit.

The specific epithet hawaiiensis , belonging to Hawaiʻi.

Early Hawaiian Use

As with many other native plants, the early Hawaiians probably knew of this plant. But no name or use is known at this time.

Additional References

[1] “Recovery Plan for Multi-Island Plants” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pages 155, 156, 157.