Pāmakani's (Tetramolopium filiforme) compound flowers mature to produce many light-weight single-seeded fruits that together look like a small white puffball. In cultivation, these fruits often fall and easily germinate next to the mother plant. Note that var. filiforme has very thin leaves, while var. polyphyllum (in the terra cotta pot with dark media) has wider leaves. Two photos showing a well-established plant with flowers rising well above the foliage and a woody base with five stems radiating from the center. Pāmakani does well indoors under LEDs (Light-Emitting Diode). See The Magic of LEDs for more information on how to grow native Hawaiian plants under them.

Growth Requirements

General

    Both varieties of Tetramolopium filiforme are commonly cultivated, with var. polyphyllum being more commonly observed. Cultivated plants typically have a lifespan of two to three years, whereas wild plants can live for 5-10 years [USAG 2003].

    Pāmakani do well in plastic, terra cotta, or cement containers with ample sunlight and an organic soil mix with good drainage. They can also grow in pure black cinder. If planted in a garden or landscape setting, it makes an excellent accent plant and adds a touch of elegance when placed in a black cinder bed next to lichen-covered lava rocks ("moss rocks") or large boulders. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, but it is best to water when dry. It should be protected from strong winds. It also appreciates fertilization in the form of kelp extract and time-release pellets (e.g., Osmocote® 14-14-14) at half the suggested application.

    Blooming is nearly year-round, and seeds are produced often and in abundance. It's a good idea to check plants daily during this time. If left uncollected, the seeds will disperse by wind and seedlings may sprout in some unexpected places, such as coming up in other plant containers, on/or within rock walls or cracks in sidewalks. Initially, these seedlings may be mistaken for common garden weeds. So it is highly suggested that the dandelion-like seed clusters be collected daily if you wish to sow them later due to its short life. I (Eickhoff) have found that they can be stored in a refrigerator in a paper envelope or small brown bag to help maintain their viability for up to two years or more. Always have the name and collection date on the storage containers. In cultivation, plants are known to quickly produce seeds shortly after flowering in pots with adequate moisture. The seeds typically germinate in about 3 weeks, with flowers appearing approximately 18 weeks later [USAG 2003].

    When growing multiple species, I have observed that at least two Tetramolopium spp. (e.g. T. filiforme x T. lepidotum) will readily cross-pollinate with each other, resulting in producing viable seeds as a hybrid. Since the two species do not exist together naturally, it would be considered an undesirable "unnatural hybrid."

Pests and Diseases

    Pests such as mealy bugs, whiteflies and red spider mites will sometimes attack Tetramolopium. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments to eliminate or control these pests.

Special Features and Information

General

    There are nearly 40 species of Tetramolopium in the Sunflower family, or Asteraceae. There are twelve endemic species in the Hawaiian Islands, one species in the Cook Islands, and about 25 species in New Guinea. Nearly every Hawaiian species is considered either vulnerable, rare or federally listed as endangered, with a few extinct.

Hawaiian Name

    It appears that only one species, Tetramolopium capillare, was actually given the Maui name pāmakani. However, the fact other sources call it by this name and we much prefer Hawaiian names over English vernacular names, we have chosen to refer to this species, either by Tetramolopium or Pāmakani, on this website. We look forward to referring to it by its ancient Hawaiian name whenever that is found. That said, some literature uses the name Mākua daisy; we have included these as well. Pāmakani is also a name for kokiʻo keʻokeʻo (Hibiscus arnottianus) and a native violet (Viola chamissoniana).

Etymology

    The generic name Tetramolopium is derived from the Greek tetra, four or square, and -molopium, stripes, referring to the nerves on the achene (fruit, seed) [Wagner et al. 1990]. The specific epithet filiforme means thread or filament-like, referring to the narrow, unbranched leaves. The variety polyphyllum refers to the many (poly), branching leaves (-phyllus) [Gledhill 2008].