Hawaiian name: Loulu Botanical name: Pritchardia remota Family: Arecaceae (Palm Family) Status: Endemic, endangered Where found: Ni‘ihau and Nīhoa Water/Light: Dry to moist, full sun Elevation range: 250 to 800 feet Height: 13-50 feet
Notes: Pritchardia remota grows exceptionally well in cultivation and occurs in several botanical collections. On Ni‘ihau this species was once named P. aylmer-robinsonii. It inhabits dry, barren rocky areas and on Nīhoa forms large, closed-canopy colonies. Loulu palm were erected to signify a temporary, special 'heiau loulu', where gods of fishing were seasonally propitiated. The leaves were used for thatching. Because loulu fruits are tasty to rats, all Hawaiian loulu are rare.
