Dubautia plantaginea, commonly known as plantainleaf dubautia, is a rare flowering plant in the aster family, endemic to Hawaii. It is notable for being the only member of the silversword alliance found on all six of the largest Hawaiian Islands: Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui, and Hawai’i. The species exhibits a range of morphologies, from a small shrub to a tree that can reach up to 23 feet in height. There are three subspecies, with ssp. humilis being a dwarf form endemic to Maui, and ssp. magnifolia found on Kaua’i. Both subspecies are federally listed as endangered, with ssp. humilis listed in 1999 and ssp. magnifolia in 2010.

Dubautia plantaginea thrives in moist and wet forest habitats, receiving 75 to over 276 inches of annual precipitation. It is valued for its rarity and its ecological role in Hawaiian ecosystems. The plant’s flowers are not particularly showy, but its presence is a key indicator of the health of its native habitat. In cultivation, it requires conditions that mimic its natural wet forest environment, including high humidity and consistent moisture. It is not commonly cultivated due to its rarity and specific habitat requirements. Threats to Dubautia plantaginea include natural disasters such as landslides and rockslides, as well as competition from invasive plant species.CC BY-SA 4.0