Family: Fabaceae
Nuku ʻiʻiwi is a perennial vine that typically occurs in mesic to wet forests. The vine can mature to a length of 38-46 feet, with a 19-foot spread. The beauty of this vine is internationally renowned with its striking red inflorescences that harkens back to its name nuku ʻiʻiwi or the bill of the ʻiʻiwi, a red honeycreeper with a long decurved beak.
Its seeds were often used to make seed lei. Unlike other pea-family members, its pods do not break open to spill seed on their own and must be done manually for propagation.
Strongylodon ruber is listed as a species of concern under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The number of populations are currently unknown although estimates of a thousand individuals have been made.
Plant Uses:
- Cultural significance
- Cut flower
- Lei flower
- Nitrogen fixer
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers