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