Broussaisia arguta, the kanawao, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae, that is endemic to Hawaiʻi. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Broussaisia.Kanawao is a widespread species occurring in mesic and wet forests on all of the main Hawaiian Islands. It is a dioecious, evergreen plant that either grows as a 1.5–3-metre (4.9–9.8 ft) shrub or a 6-metre (20 ft) tree. The obovate leaves are 10–25 centimetres (3.9–9.8 in) long and 4–9 centimetres (1.6–3.5 in) wide with finely serrated margins.Relationship to other Organisms The Orthotylus broussaisia (O. broussaisiae) from Kauai feeds on Broussaisia arguta. Although there has been extensive research on Broussaisia arguta, only the Orthotylus broussaisiae species has been found feeding on it.
Hydrangea arguta has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of maintenance, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Hydrangea argutat is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much previous care experience.
How to keep Broussaisia Arguta.
Light
Hydrangea arguta is indigenous to habitats such as forest understories and rocky sites, where it grows in natural shade. Its preferred light exposure is partial sun, but it can adjust to full sun or full shade, reflecting its versatile and hardy nature.
Temperature
Hydrangea arguta shows good temperature adaptability, tolerating higher heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, pay attention to watering and provide suitable shade to avoid sunburn. Conversely, Hydrangea arguta has relatively poor cold tolerance. Although it can endure some chill, extremely low temperatures can cause frost damage.
Fertilizer
Timing is essential for fertilizing Hydrangea arguta. Apply fertilizer in early spring and then once a month up to early summer. Fertilizer encourages lovely blooms and supplies energy during the dormant and active growth phases.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Broussaisia
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.52 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Fall
Other names.
