‘Ilima is a dry-tolerant plant that can be found along coastal areas sitting right out in the full sun. This plant is popular for it’s lovely pua, a small and delicate yellow flower. Depending on the plant and various conditions, individuals can either grow upright and into a bush, or crawl along the ground akin to a vine. This species is indigenous, meaning it is found elsewhere in the world, but is the only one of it’s genus in Hawai’i. The family is Malvaceae, which also includes hibiscus and ‘ohi’a.

The most popularized use for the ‘ilima is making lei from it’s delicate flowers. A lot of flowers are needed for this - up to 1000 pua! When finished, the ‘ilima lei resembles the yellow feather lei worn by royalty. This plant was also used medicinally, interestingly the juice from the pua ‘ilima would be used as a laxative for children, but did not affect adults. Mothers would chew as many buds as age of the child before giving to the baby. Blossoms can also be eaten raw and are said to have a nice flavor.

Sun! ‘Ilima love sun and want to be soaked in it. Make sure the pot has good drainage. Water minimally, if at all - if it has been raining and the ‘ilima looks happy, leave it be. The plant either likes to grow upright or along the ground, and it’s difficult to train the plant to act either way. I have tried to use a stake for a crawling ilima to force it upright, but instead the plant just began to decline and was not a fan. They seem to be fairly pest resistant, but still be mindful to check for white flies and aphids as they can cause the plants demise.