Hawaiian Plants

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is one of the most important plants in our native forests, or also known as a keystone species. It's name, polymorpha, refers to the many forms of this plant.  ʻŌhiʻa has many varieties with different colors, leaf shape and size, and tree or shrub forms.  They're also one of the first plants to grow on a lava field! They're great at capturing and retaining water, and helps our native forests thrive.  ʻŌhiʻa is actually a really hot topic now, especially on the Big Island, because they are facing rapid  ʻŌhiʻa death (ROD). It is a fungal disease that is killing  ʻŌhiʻa trees and it can be easily spread! If you travel to the Big Island, please do not take any plant materials back home with you because it may spread to other  ʻŌhiʻa trees on this island. If you plan to go hiking, be sure to spray your shoes with 70% ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) before and after! The pictures in today's blog were all taken ...

This beautiful flower is endemic to Hawaiʻi! It is one of the few endemic plants that has thorns. It's name, Pua kala, actually translates to thorny flower. Before invasive species like cattle or ungulates came to Hawaiʻi, plants did not have defenses because there was no need for them. But my guess is that this plant has developed physical defenses, such as thorns, to protect it's self from herbivores. Being a relative to the poppy, Pua kala also has chemical defenses that deter those who try to eat it! Medicinal Usage:  The sap and seeds were used as an analgesic for toothaches and nerve pain. It was also used for ulcers and warts. Picture taken by: Ryan Ueunten