Characteristics of Hawaiian Hawthorn Tree (Osteomeles anthyllidifolia) in the Wild

Hawaiian hawthorn or Hawaiian rose (Osteomeles anthyllidifolia) is a species of flowering shrub in the family Rosaceae, native to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Pitcairn Island, Rapa Iti, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.

Hawaiian hawthorn trees can be found in dry to mesic forests, scrublands, coastal areas, and lava plains at an altitude of 0-2,000 m above sea level. Osteomeles anthyllidifolia is a ruderal species, able to compete effectively with other plants in disturbed locations.

In Hawaii, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia is known locally as ‘Ulei, Eluehe, and U’ulei.

 

 

 

Characteristics of Hawaiian Hawthorn Leaf

The leaves are compound, shiny green, about 7.5 cm long, and consist of 15 to 25 small leaves. The oval leaf leaflets are 1.5 cm long and 0.7 cm wide.
 

Characteristics of Hawaiian Hawthorn Flower

The flowers are white, and slightly fragrant, growing in small clusters of 3 to 6 flowers at the ends of branches.
 

Characteristics of Hawaiian Hawthorn Fruit

The fruit is white when ripe, 1.0 cm in diameter, and contains 3-4 yellow seeds with a diameter of about 1.5 mm.
 

Characteristics of Hawaiian Hawthorn Tree

Hawaiian hawthorn grows as a shrub that can reach a height of 3 meters. This tree sometimes grows upright but usually spreads.

Hawaiian hawthorn is used in the ornamental plant trade because of its beautiful shape with small, shiny leaves. It is also used in bonsai making in many tropical areas.
 

Benefits of Hawaiian Hawthorn

The leaves and root bark are used by local people to treat open wounds. The seeds and shoots are used as a laxative for children.

Hawaiian hawthorn wood is very strong, and native Hawaiians used it to make spears, javelins, digging sticks, bows, musical instruments, and household tools. Young, flexible branches are shaped into circles for making nets and fish traps. The fruit is edible and is used to make lavender dye.
 

How to Cultivate Hawaiian Hawthorn

Osteomeles anthyllidifolia is easily propagated from mature seeds. The seeds must be removed from the white outer flesh. After the seeds are separated from the fruit flesh, wash the seeds until clean. Next, the seeds can be dried on paper towels for planting or storing.

To plant them, sow the seeds on a mixture of porous, well-draining soil such as a mixture of potting soil and perlite or cinder (1:1 ratio). The seeds will germinate within 2 to 6 months.

Osteomeles anthyllidifolia can also be grown from cuttings. Take cuttings in early spring, cut branches that are quite old, 20-30 cm long. Plant the cuttings in a porous, well-draining soil mixture. Keep the cuttings moist but not waterlogged. Roots will appear in about 2-3 months.