Sign In 
Get Premium Forest Clermontia
(Clermontia kakeana)
Forest Clermontia (Clermontia kakeana)
/
/
Kevin Faccenda
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Kevin Faccenda
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kevin Faccenda | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Kevin Faccenda | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-03-07T10:23:52-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
| • Precipitation | 29" - 195" |
| • High Temp. | 64°F - 89°F |
| • Low Temp. | 16°F - 65°F |
Summary
Clermontia kakeana, commonly known as Forest Clermontia or Kakeana, is a perennial shrub or small tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it thrives in moist, wet forests, often at higher elevations. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) and a width of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters). Clermontia kakeana has a distinctive appearance with large, leathery leaves and unusual green or yellow tubular flowers that bloom in the spring. The flowers are notably showy due to their size and the fact that they are often borne in clusters.
This species is valued for its unique flowers and as a rare example of Hawaiian flora in cultivation. It is used in native plant gardens and as a specimen plant in tropical landscapes. Forest Clermontia prefers a humid environment and benefits from regular watering, especially when grown outside its native range. It requires a well-draining loam soil and can tolerate both full sun and part shade, though it may prefer some protection from intense midday sun. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is valued for its unique flowers and as a rare example of Hawaiian flora in cultivation. It is used in native plant gardens and as a specimen plant in tropical landscapes. Forest Clermontia prefers a humid environment and benefits from regular watering, especially when grown outside its native range. It requires a well-draining loam soil and can tolerate both full sun and part shade, though it may prefer some protection from intense midday sun. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 5-10 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist, wet forests at higher elevations in the Hawaiian Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Kakeana, Clermontia
Scientific Names: Clermontia kakeana, Clermontia glabra, Clermontia grandiflora var. longifolia, Clermontia kakeana f. gracilis, Clermontia kakeana f. rosea, Clermontia kakeana var. forbesii, Clermontia kakeana var. orientalis, Clermontia kakeana var. rosea, Clermontia macrocarpa
GBIF Accepted Name: Clermontia kakeana