SafePlants

Hulumoa: Hawaii's Native Mistletoe

Hulumoa is a term used to refer to several plant species in Hawaii, primarily mistletoes. This article provides information on some of these plants and their characteristics.

Common and Scientific Names

• Common Name: Hulumoa (literally means "chicken feathers" in Hawaiian)
• Scientific Names:
  • Korthalsella complanata (most common Hawaiian mistletoe)
  • Korthalsella cylindrica
  • Korthalsella latissima
  • Korthalsella remyana
  • Korthalsella platycaula
  • Exocarpos gaudichaudii (also called Gaudichaud's Exocarpus)
• Other Common Names: Kaumahana

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family:
  • Viscaceae (for Korthalsella species)
  • Santalaceae (for Exocarpos gaudichaudii)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Classification: Dicot (for Exocarpos gaudichaudii)

Distribution and Habitat

• Hulumoa species are native to Hawaii.
• Korthalsella species are found on the Main Hawaiian Islands.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Kupaia-Onini Ridge, Moloka'i
  • Palehua-Palikea Trail, O'ahu
  • Manana trail (found on Koa trees)
  • Kulani Forest, Hawai'i Island
  • Kauai, Niihau, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui (Korthalsella platycaula)
• They are commonly found in mesic and wet forests.

Ecological Role

• Korthalsella species are parasitic plants that grow on other plants, including native trees like Koa.

Morphological Characteristics

• Korthalsella complanata has extremely dimorphic foliage and tiny flowers.
• Branches can be flattened beyond the second node, and nodes may be constricted.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Hulumoa" literally means "chicken feathers" in Hawaiian, referring to the plant's appearance.

Further Information

• Plants of Hawaii (Forest and Kim Starr)
• Dave's Garden
• Vimeo (videos about "hulumoa")