How to Grow ʻAma ʻAma
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ʻAma ʻAma
Cheirodendron trigynum
treeʻAma ʻAma is a native Hawaiian tree found in the wet forests of the Hawaiian Islands, characterized by its distinctive three-angled fruits and glossy, compound leaves. It produces small white flowers and is valued for its ecological importance and traditional uses. This understory to mid-canopy tree thrives in humid, tropical conditions.
When should you plant ʻAma ʻAma in your zone?
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Example ʻAma ʻAma timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant ʻAma ʻAma
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest ʻAma ʻAma
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ʻAma ʻAma dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-12, requiring tropical to subtropical humid climates
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Get my ʻAma ʻAma timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksSmall seedling with first true leaves emerging; delicate and requires high humidity and gentle conditions
Keep soil consistently moist, provide bright indirect light, use humidity dome or misting, protect from direct sun and air currents
Juvenile/Vegetative
1-2 yearsYoung tree developing compound leaf structure and establishing root system; grows slowly with increasing leaf complexity
Maintain consistent moisture and high humidity, provide dappled shade, prune only to remove damaged branches, apply mulch around base
Young Adult
1-2 yearsTree reaches 6-12 feet tall with fuller canopy; beginning to develop branching structure characteristic of mature form
Continue high humidity and consistent moisture, gradually increase light exposure if tree is adapting well, apply balanced fertilizer sparingly, mulch maintenance
Flowering
2-4 months, typically spring to early summerSmall white flowers appear in clusters; indicates plant has reached reproductive maturity, typically on branches throughout canopy
Maintain ideal conditions without major pruning, ensure consistent watering and humidity, do not over-fertilize as this reduces flowering
Fruiting & Mature
Ongoing after maturityDistinctive three-angled fruits develop and mature; tree is fully established and self-sustaining in appropriate conditions
Allow fruit to mature fully, maintain consistent care, minimal pruning needed, support tree structure if needed for heavy fruit load
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly, remove by hand if minor, spray with horticultural oil or neem oil for heavy infestations
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Isolate affected plants, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensure good air circulation and humidity (not excessive)
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Increase humidity through misting, spray with water to dislodge, use horticultural oil if severe
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid waterlogging, use well-draining soil medium, sterilize tools and containers
Uses
Traditional Hawaiian Food
CulinaryThe fruits were historically consumed by Native Hawaiians and used in traditional cuisine. The seeds and fruit flesh have been part of Hawaiian cultural diet and food systems. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian Medicine
MedicinalʻAma ʻAma has been used in traditional Hawaiian healing practices and native medicine systems for various applications related to health and wellness. [source]
Wood and Timber
HouseholdThe wood has been traditionally used for various household and structural purposes in Hawaiian culture, valued for its properties in construction and tool-making. [source]
Native Forest Ecosystem
WildlifeʻAma ʻAma is an important component of Hawaiian wet forest ecosystems, providing food and habitat for native Hawaiian birds, insects, and other wildlife species. [source]
Cultural and Botanical Conservation
CraftGrowing ʻAma ʻAma contributes to the preservation of Hawaiian biodiversity and supports native plant restoration efforts in Hawaiian islands. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Allow fruits to fully mature on the tree before harvesting; fruits are ready when they turn from green to darker coloration and may begin to fall naturally. Harvest by hand-picking mature fruits from the tree. Seeds can be extracted from mature fruits and cleaned before storage or propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name ʻAma ʻAma comes from Hawaiian and refers to the distinctive three-angled or three-winged fruits (trigynous) that are unique among Hawaiian trees.
- 🌱 This tree is endemic to Hawaii and found naturally in the windward wet forests, typically at elevations between 2,000-5,000 feet where cloud moisture is abundant.
- 🌱 ʻAma ʻAma belongs to the Araliaceae family, which includes many tropical and subtropical woody plants, and is one of only a few native Hawaiian members of this family.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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