About

Phytolacca sandwicensis, also known as Hawai'i pokeweed, is a member of the Phytolaccaceae family and is a flowering and fruit bearing species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. Locally it is referred to as pōpolo kū mai and/or pōpolo. Pōpolo itself is a term for any Solanum species, which its berries resemble.

The genus Phytolacca has about 25 different species within it. They are commonly found in North America, South America, East Asia and New Zealand, with Phytolacca sandwicensis being the only species exclusively found in the Hawaiian Islands.

Where it grows

Phytolacca sandwicensis is a terrestrial species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands of the Pacific Ocean. It is a rather rare plant to find in the wild. Hawai'i pokeweed can be found in open areas or stream beds within wet or mesic forests. It is capable of withstanding various elevation extremes ranging from around 300 feet above sea level to 6500 feet above sea level. Phytolacca sandwicensis requires a wet environment to survive with a moderate amount of sunlight exposure. It is capable of living in open areas with lots of light exposure, but for landscaping purposes it has been found that a limited amount of sunlight produces a more desirable color and shape. Hawai'i pokeweed also prefers to reside in a cinder or organic soil which is well drained.

Other Phytolacca plants

Indian Pokeweed · American pokeweed · Belhambra · Mexican pokeweed · Tropical pokeweed · Japanese Pokeweed · Red inkplant · Levantine Pokeweed · Venezuelan pokeweed · Pokeweed · Phytolacca dodecandra