Hāhā in a native habitat on Oʻahu in the Waiʻanae Mountains. It does well in pots and planted in a garden with other natives as long as snails, slugs and spider mites are kept in check. In cultivation, it begins as a fast grower and can start flowering and setting fruit when about two feet tall. The specific epithet angustifolia [angustifolius] means "narrow-leaved" [Gledhill 2008].

Growth Requirements

General

    I (Eickhoff) have found that Cyanea, in general, are rather easy to grow and flower successfully in outdoor or indoor containers. However, it may not be for the beginner. For one thing, it does not like to go completely dry, and from my experience has proved that it is not as easy to forgive as are Delissea and Clermontia kakeana--which usually perk up even when leaves go limp due to lack of water. In other words, young plants will not likely survive even a brief dry spell in containers or in the ground if left unwatered! Secondly, one needs to keep an eye out for pests. (see Pests and Diseases below). 

    An equal mixture of peat, perlite, and black cinder does well. I also add "native compost" containing mycorrhizal fungi, which helps plants to take up water and nutrients and is beneficial to a plant’s resistance against pathogens [Koko 2021]. (See Soils & Media Native Soils). Sufficient water to remain moist and bright light or morning sunlight are required for these plants.

Pests and Diseases

    Hāhā is very prone to attacks by red spider mites, and snails and slugs can destroy a plant in a short time. Therefore, you need to be vigilant and check your plants daily. A single lapse in attention can result in disaster for all your hard work to grow these beautiful plants. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for ways to battle these pests.

Special Features and Information

General

    Hāhā (Cyanea spp.) are members of the Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Of nearly 80 species in the endemic genus Cyanea, most of which are classified as vulnerable, endangered, rare, or presumed to be extinct.

    Other kin include many endemic species in Brighamia, Clermontia, Delissea, Lobelia, and Trematolobelia--all but Lobelia are endemic genera!

Hawaiian Name

    Currently, there is no known Hawaiian name specifically for Cyanea angustifolia. Only five species of Cyanea have known Hawaiian names. Though we know of no direct evidence that the name hāhā is used for Cyanea angustifolia, we have chosen to use it for this species on this website. Too, when describing the entire genus Cyanea, the Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i uses hāhā [Wagner et al. 1990]. The name hāhā is also used for the two species of Brighamia, and Clermontia arborecens in the same family, Campanulaceae, as well as the Kauaʻi name for ʻapeʻape (Gunnera kauaiensis) [Hawaiian Dictionaries], but applies to both endemic Gunnera spp. [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands].

Etymology

   The generic name Cyanea is from the Greek, cyaneos, blue, referring to the supposedly blue flowers of the type species, Cyanea grimesiana, which are actually purplish or white [Wagner 1990]. The specific epithet angustifolia [angustifolius] means "narrow-leaved" [Gledhill 2008].