Plant Profile
Tetramolopium filiforme
Main Plant Information
Genus
Tetramolopium
Species
filiforme
Varieties
- filiforme
- polyphyllum
Common Names
- Ridgetop tetramolopium
Names with Unknown Sources
- Makua daisy
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Dwarf, Less than 2
Mature Size, Width
The plant has about a one-foot spread.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Both varieties of Tetramolopium filiforme are known to be in cultivation with var. polyphyllum more readily seen. Cultivated plants are short-lived to about two or three years. Wild plants can live to 5-10 years. [2] In cultivation, plants will easily set seed shortly after flowering in pots with sufficient moisture and germinate in about 3 weeks, with flowers appearing in about 18 weeks. [1]
Outplant with trees and shrubs and other small plants for added protection. These small shrubs are attracitve planted around the base of stones and other plants as accents. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola] Tetramolpium look great in a black cinder bed against large boulders. They do very well in pots too.
In the landscape, if the seeds are not collected they can appear in other some strange areas, such as on/in rock walls, because of wind scattered seeds, and can at first be mistaken for a common garden weed. The small dandy lion-like clusters of seeds can be harvested before the wind takes them away. Store them in a refrigerator in a paper envelope. They can remain viable for at least two years. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tetramolopium species easily hybridize between each other and produce viable seed–a fact to bear in mind when growing more than one species.[David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Light Purple
- Purple
- White
Additional Flower Color Information
The white or pale lavender petals (corollas) or florets are the female portion of the flower and maroon or, more rarely yellow, centers are the male portion.
Blooming Period
- Spring
- Winter
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Plants bloom in late winter to early spring in the wild but can also be induced to bloom by heavy rainfall. [1,2] The variety filiforme usually blooms a few weeks earlier than var. polyphyllum .
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Fine
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves are usually under an inch long. The two recognized varieties, var. filiforme and var. polyphyllum , are based on leaf characteristics and range.
The variety filiforme has narrow (thread or filament-like) un-branching leaves; var. polyphyllum , as the name suggests, has few to many (poly-) branching leaves (-phyllus). The form differences are genetically based.
Leaf Colors
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Plants are prone to ants, scale, [2] spider mites and root mealy bugs.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer with minor elements once a year. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Spent flowers can be trimmed off or allowed to form seed heads for future sowing or reseeding.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
When first planted, water weekly for a month and after that only when the soil is very dry.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
This tetramolopium does best with as much sunlight as possible. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
Limitations
Shelter plant from the wind. It is somewhat drought tolerant once established. Too much water can eventually cause the roots to rot. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 2000 to 2999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This tetramolopium is scattered to common and known only from dry ridge habitats in dry-mesic to mesic habitat in a very few locations in the Waiʻanae Mountains, Oʻahu (ʻŌhikilolo Ridge, Keaʻau Valley, and Mākaha Valley). [1]
The varieties are separated geographically from 1900 to about 2950 feet, with var. filiforme found on xeric cliff faces below 770 m. (2526 ft.) and var. polyphyllum on mesic slopes above 770 m. on ʻŌhikilolo Ridge.
Special Features and Information
General Information
There are nearly 40 species of Tetramolopium in the Sunflower family or Asteraceae. One species is found in the Cook Is., about 25 are in New Guinea, and twelve endemic species in the Hawaiian Islands. Nearly every Hawaiian species is considered either vulnerable, rare or federally listed as endangered, with a few extinct.
Etymology
Tetramolopium is derived from the Greek tetra , four, and molopium , stripes, referring to the nerves on the achene (fruit, seed).
For the varietal names filiforme , thread or filament-like, refer to the narrow un-branching leaves; while polyphyllum refer to the many, ( poly -), branching leaves (- phyllus ).
Additional References
[1] “Recovery Plan for the Oahu Plants” by USFWS, page 158.
[2] “Implementation Plan for Mākua Military Reservation, Island of Oahu 16.162 Taxon Summary: Tetramolopium filiforme ,” pages 16-162 to 16-163, 16-165, 16-167.
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