Ihi, (Portulaca molokiniensis) is a low-lying herb with thick, fleshy green leaves and small, bright yellow flowers. Portulaca molokiniensis is an extremely rare and endangered coastal species and is currently found in low numbers on Molokini, Aleale and Puu Koae Islets. P. molokinensis is one of four native species of Portulaca in Hawaii and is closely related to the indigenous P. lutea, the most common of the four.

A dwarf shrub, less than 2 feet tall.

If kept in containers, use 4 to 6 inch cement, terra cotta, or unglazed ceramic pots, which are preferred over plastic ones.These containers tend to breathe better, allow potting mix to dry out quicker, and help maintain the health of these xeric plants. The weight of the pots will help these succulents from toppling over in windy conditions as they grow larger in the pots. Use a very dry potting mix (i.e. cactus mix) with perfect drainage.

ʻIhi is prone to slugs, ants, mealy bugs, scale, thrips, spider mites, aphids, root mealy bugs, and scale. Fungal rot can be a major problem, so do not let water remain on the surface. ʻIhi needs well drained soil. Water in the morning to allow the pot to dry out during the day.

This rare species of portulaca is restricted to a few coastal sites: Molokini, Puʻukoaʻe Islet (Maui) and Kamōhio Bay, Kahoʻolawe. It is known to grow in volcanic tuff, detritus at the base of sea cliffs and on steep rocky slopes from about 30 to about 375 feet.
Plants prefer to be root bound and will do well as long as there is soil remaining in the pot.

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