Pritchardia is Hawaii’s only endemic palm genus. (Endemic is defined as “native” and highly localized in the wild.)  Some have either become extinct or are on the verge of becoming so.  Only five of the species are not endemic to Hawaii, including Pritchardia pacifica which is from the Fiji Islands.  Hawaii is home to more native palm species, even though they are within the same genus, than any other state in the U.S.A.

 Past research have identified anywhere from 17 to 33 Hawaiian species plus 6 variations as unique, but a number of factors have yet to be resolved.  A recent study sets the number at 19.  Only three species within the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo have been positively identified, primarily because identification methods are dependent upon flower and/or fruit characteristics.  Until samples are available, names will continue to be uncertain.  To add to the confusion, seed sources must be carefully examined because of the ease of hybridization of Pritchardia.

 Early Hawaiian settlers referred to all Pritchardia species as lo`ulu. If one were to visit early Hawaiian home sites, a common scene would include Pritchardia planted near the dwelling.  Early Hawaiians used the plant parts for thatch, hats, fans, umbrellas and food.  As many as one half of Hawaii’s Pritchardia species are in danger of extinction today.  Poorly implemented government policies, human depredations, wild pigs and goats, rats and grazing animals continue to lead the Seeds of Pritchardia affinis.            way to destruction of these beautiful palms.