Dubautia Ciliolata

dubautia ciliolata

Dubautia ciliolata, commonly known as na'ena'e, is a remarkable evergreen shrub endemic to the island of Hawaii. Growing directly out of harsh, barren basaltic lava flows, this resilient plant is a member of the famous Hawaiian silversword alliance. It represents one of the most stunning examples of adaptive radiation in the botanical world, where a single ancestral colonist from North America evolved into dozens of highly diverse species spanning alpine heights to wet rainforests. With its compact, dome-like growth habit and vibrant clusters of yellow flowers, Dubautia ciliolata brings life to some of the youngest and most sterile landscapes on Earth. It serves as an essential pioneer species, trapping dust, organic matter, and moisture to help kickstart soil formation on fresh lava fields.

Habitat: Found in high-elevation subalpine shrublands and pioneering barren basaltic lava flows on the island of Hawaii.

Appearance

This plant is a small, densely branched shrub reaching up to 150 centimeters in height, often taking on a rounded, compact form. Its leaves are small, stiff, and lance-shaped, measuring about 1 to 2 centimeters long, and are densely crowded along the branches. A key identification feature is the presence of fine, eyelash-like hairs along the edges of the leaves. During its blooming period, it produces striking, tight inflorescences at the branch tips containing small, tubular, bright yellow flowers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusDubautia

Dubautia Ciliolata

Interesting facts

Despite looking like a small woody shrub, it is closely related to the famous Hawaiian silversword, sharing a common ancestor that arrived in Hawaii millions of years ago.

Its wood and leaves contain sticky resins that help protect the plant from extreme water loss and deter opportunistic insect pests.

The species name 'ciliolata' comes from the Latin word for eyelashes, referencing the dense fringe of fine hairs on its leaf margins.

Special abilities

Highly adapted to colonizing newly cooled basaltic lava flows, establishing roots in barren cracks where few other plants can survive.

The fine, eyelash-like hairs on the leaf margins help capture atmospheric moisture from passing volcanic fog, channeling water down to the plant's roots.

Thick, leathery leaves and a compact growth form reduce transpiration, allowing the plant to withstand the intense, dry sun of high elevations.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-150 cm
Lifespan: 10-50 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotroph, this species synthesizes its own sugars using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing key mineral nutrients from weathered volcanic soils.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Volcanic minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Hawaiian Yellow-Faced Bee

Hylaeus anthracinus

Pollinated by endemic bees that feed on its abundant nectar.

eaten by

Feral Goat

Capra hircus

Foliage and bark are heavily browsed by destructive introduced feral animals.

host plant

Hawaiian Woodboring Moth

Thyrocopa apatela

Provides essential microhabitat and nectar for native Hawaiian moths.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Dubautia Ciliolata?

The easiest way to identify Dubautia Ciliolata is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Dubautia Ciliolata?

30-150 cm

How long does Dubautia Ciliolata live?

10-50 years

What does Dubautia Ciliolata eat?

As a photoautotroph, this species synthesizes its own sugars using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing key mineral nutrients from weathered volcanic soils.

Where is Dubautia Ciliolata usually found?

Found in high-elevation subalpine shrublands and pioneering barren basaltic lava flows on the island of Hawaii.