Wili Wili

Erythrina sandwicensis

Wili Wili

Marshman at en.wikipedia / Eric Guinther

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Erythrina
Species:
Erythrina sandwicensis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
red

Native Range

United States: Hawaii

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), 🛑Hawaiian grass leafroller (Omiodes monogona), Terastia meticulosalis

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, coastal regions of Hawaii

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Scarify the hard seedcoat of wiliwili using a nail clipper, being careful not to damage the germ or the inner part of the seed. Soak the scarified seeds overnight in room temperature water. If any seeds do not imbibe water, they may be nicked and soaked again.

Establishment: Overwatering can lead to damping off with wiliwili seedlings. Seeds are mature when the pod turns brown and the seeds become hard with a shiny seed coat. The plant is native to the dry leeward slopes of all main Hawaiian islands, up to 600 m (1,950 ft).

Source: npn.rngr.net