Canavalia galeata, found naturally only on O‘ahu, is one of six endemic Hawaiian species, with half of them found on Kaua‘i alone! The quick-growing ‘āwikiwiki is one of the easiest native plants to grow from seeds and will even germinate when planted directly in the ground! Note the seedlings making their way from the ground, vining up a large tree.

Growth Requirements

General

    Canavalia spp. are known for their rapid growth in the landscape. The vining nature of ‘āwikiwiki makes it ideal for support from trees, large shrubs, hedges, trellises, and fences. These scrambling vines can also serve as a groundcover over black or red cinders. It thrives in partial to full sun and is drought-tolerant, although it benefits from regular watering when grown in pots.

    ‘Āwikiwiki is one of the easiest native plants to grow from seeds, with the ability to germinate even when planted directly in the ground. However, it is important to protect the seeds from rats, as they can easily regenerate if left undisturbed. To speed up growth, slightly nick the seed coat before planting. Seeds can be placed flat on their side or standing up in a growing pot with well-draining media.

    With proper lighting, you can expect to see sprouts appearing within a few days. For optimal growth, ʻāwikiwiki thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, requiring frequent watering during hotter months. It is worth noting that ʻāwikiwiki is nitrogen-fixing, meaning it does not require additional fertilizers. (see Special Features and Information - General) 

    Overall, this is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can enhance any landscape with its wikiwiki growth, producing mature vines in a short time!

Pests and Diseases

    Rodents, slugs, snails, spider mites, and black stink bugs can be potential threats to Canavalia spp. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments. 

Special Features and Information

General

    Canavalia, a member of the Pea or Legume family (Fabaceae), consists of 62 species of tropical vines. Among these species, Canavalia galeata is found only on O‘ahu, making it one of the six endemic Hawaiian species, with half of them being located on Kaua‘i alone. Additionally, two introduced species, maunaloa (Canavalia cathartica) and pōhue or silky jackbean (C. sericea), are closely related to ʻāwikiwiki and have become naturalized in certain areas.

    This nitrogen-fixing vine plays a role in maintaining a healthy native Hawaiian environment. The growth of ‘āwikiwiki is facilitated by its symbiotic relationship with a special bacterium known as rhizobia, which resides in association with the root system. These bacteria convert nitrogen from the air into a usable form, providing essential nitrogen fertilizer to plants through their roots and benefiting the surrounding plant life. Furthermore, the leaves, flowers, pods and seeds of ‘āwikiwiki also contribute nitrogen to understory plants in the vicinity.

Hawaiian Name

    The name ʻāwikiwiki is from wikiwiki, meaning fast or speedy [Hawaiian Dictionaries].

Etymology

    The generic name Canavalia comes from the Indian kanavali, a common name for Canavalia maritima. The specific epithet galeata is from the Latin galeatus, helmet-, or skull-, shaped [Gledhill 2008].