The magnificent munroidendron (Munroidendron racemosum) is endemic to Kaua'i, and in the wild, grows nowhere else. The Hawaiian name for munroidendron is pokalakala, but some authorities say that the name has been historically lost.

Munroidendron is an extremely rare, monotypic-genus plant that lives in the intermediate-moisture forests of Kaua'i from 390 to 1,300 feet elevation. There are approximately 15 natural populations, of more than 200 plants, in four locations: Nounou mountain, Na Pali cliffs (within the Na Pali Coast State Park and Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve), Ha'upu Ridge area, and in the Po'omau and Koai'e canyons of Waimea Canyon.

This extraordinary plant was named in honor of George Campbell Munro (1866-1963), with the suffix "-dendron" (tree) combined. Recognized as a botanical explorer and pioneer conservationist, Munro was one of the first to discover this specimen.

The endangered munroidendron is a small tree (up to 25 feet), with a straight trunk, smooth grayish bark and extending branches. The foot-long leaves comprise of many oval leaflets that are downy white to tan brown underneath. If conditions are dry, many leaves are shed in late summer and during blooming season. Tiny, soft yellow flowers dangle in elongated clusters. The small white fruits droop in cylindrical bunches and render a surrealistic display.

Munroidendron is considered a hermaphrodite, probably capable of self-pollination, since isolated individuals have produce of viable seed. It is also believed to be insect-pollinated, and that birds help disperse the seeds.

Hazards to munroidendron include competition with alien plant species, habitat degradation by feral goats, fire, fruit predation by rats and mice. With the scant number of individuals in population sites, natural events such as landslides and hurricanes threaten extinction. Another alarming observation was discovered when a mature, cultivated tree was killed by an introduced insect of the long-horned beetle family (Cerambycidae). This beetle could potentially attack, injure or kill wild munroidendron trees.

Conservation work involves fencing and stewardship of surviving wild populations, testing the influential effects of weeding and fencing those populations, and coordinating pollination biology genetics and seed dispersal research. Seeds are collected from known wild populations, germinated in nurseries and outplanted in native habitat.

The National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kaua'i presents the unique opportunity for the public to view this spectacular tropical wonder. Limahuli Garden, at the end of the north shore road near Ha'ena, has munroidendron trees at various stages of growth, interspersed among other native Hawaiian plant neighbors. It is a landscape restoration of an era past in Hawaiian history. For an even easier viewing, the McBryde Garden, at the south shore near Lawai, has a small grove of munroidendron at the tram ride pickup point.

An exquisite drawing of munroidendron by the botanical artist Mary Grierson graces the front cover of the showcase book, "A Hawaiian Florilegium." A great resource for detailed propagating instructions for munroidendron (and other native Hawaiian plants) is "Growing Hawai'i's Native Plants" by Kerin E. Lilleeng-Rosenberger, who honed her skills while affiliated with the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

Munroidendron is a premier resident of our fragile and exceptional ecosystem. It is a true Hawaiian botanical treasure.