Hao

Hāo (Rauvolfia sandwicensis) is an evergreen Hawaiian tree or large shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of small, fragrant greenish-white flowers. Native Hawaiian plant references describe it as endemic to the islands and useful as an accent, shade, or screening plant. ## Site and landscape use Give hāo full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It can reach about 15–30 feet tall, with a broad branching form suited to a sheltered garden where it has room to develop. Its light green foliage and naturally open outline make it useful as a small shade tree or background screen. ## Flowers and wildlife The flowers are small rather than showy, but their fragrance is notable. They may appear in spring, fall, and winter. Dark fruit follows flowering, adding another seasonal detail for a garden that can accommodate a Hawaiian native tree. ## Maintenance Water regularly while establishing, then allow the soil to dry between waterings; established plants tolerate dry conditions. Prune only to maintain the desired size or shape. Sources: [Native Plants Hawaiʻi profile](https://nativeplants.leeward.hawaii.edu/plants/rauvolfia-sandwicensis/), [Smithsonian Flora of the Hawaiian Islands](https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/botany/hawaiianflora/speciesdescr.cfm?genus=Rauvolfia&species=sandwicensis), [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:81642-1).