Family: Arecaceae
Loulu lelo is a single-stemmed palm with a dense crown of fan-shaped fronds. The fronds are blue-grey, and the seeds don’t extend beyond the crown line. Endemic to Molokai, very few loulu lelo remain in the wild, while this species is quite common in cultivation. Loulu were once a common sight in Hawaii, but the introduction of seed-eating rats, goats, and development has decimated the natural populations.
A very hardy tree, this loulu is drought, wind, and salt tolerant. It is low maintenance and drops little to no rubbish. While slow-growing, it should reach 20 feet tall when fully mature—plant in full sun in groups of three or as a singular specimen.
Plant Uses:
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Ornamental
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers