Maile source? Can you grow it in Southern California?

[Hollywood Palms]

Hi All,

I want to try growing maile here in SoCal. I can't seem to find a source locally. I found one grower on eBay. Anybody here have any tips or pointers?

Thanks,

David

[epicure3]

I did some searching on its hardiness and found nothing. Nor do I see where you can find it. Being native to Hawaii, I would call some of the mail order nurseries and see if they can special ship you one.

[Dypsisdean]

I have a native patch or two in the forest here that a local friend found before I came, and he has been "babying" it along. He has "forbidden" me from clearing this little patch. It is not particularly fast, or easy to grow. It seems to want a special little niche or partial sun, and to grow as a partial climber - kind of over and over on top of itself, with another bush, shrub, or tree fern to "lean" on. Once its going, it does OK.

It is a revered plant here with the leis being very expensive, and used for special occasions. The local friend has taught be how to "pull" the last 3 feet or so of the new growth off the stems to make strands from which to "weave" the lei. As you probably know, it has a pleasant mild aroma.

We have harvested seed from a blackish berry - not many per plant - and they have sprouted without too much trouble. Where I live is cooler, but still a lot warmer than SoCal, with temps only to the low 50s in winter. So while it doesn't require true tropical temps, no telling if SoCal is a go. But greenhouse or hot house for sure, but difficult to provide the total "package."

One last thing, there are several variations with slight leaf shape differences and scents as well.

[Hollywood Palms]

Thanks Dean. I found one source on The Big Island via craig's list. I'll see how that pans out.

While I don't have a hot house or a greenhouse, I think I might be able to provide the right micro climate here. I know that there are different varieties that can go as high up as 9000 feet, so I am hoping to find a plant that is bit cool tolerant.

My understanding is that most of the maile for leis comes from Tonga and the Cook Islands, due to over harvesting on many of the Hawai'ian Islands. There was a Star-Bulletin article a few years back detailing how one local nursery was growing maile, along with other Hawai'ian native plants, and supplying Home Depot and local chains.

I'll keep on hunting, until like every other palm nut in SoCal and make the move to Hawai'i.

Aloha,

David