Native plants are my favorite subject!
Here's the Mauna Loa Silversword, Argyroxiphium kauense.
Native Plants of Hawai'i
This is 'Ohi'a, Metrosideros polymorpha.
The main tree of Hawaiian Rainforests, and Official Tree of Hawai'i Island.
Phyllostegia vestita, a Hawaiian Mint of old growth rainforests of windward Hawai'i Island.
Cyanea tritomantha, a rare Lobeliad of old growth rainforests above Hilo on Hawai'i Island.
Aloalo, Hibiscus waimeae, from the Island of Kaua'i.
The most fragrant of all Hawaiian Hibiscus!
Popolo Ku Mai, Phytolacca sandwicensis, a Hawaiian Poke which occurs in open areas of Hawaiian forests.
Solanum incompletum, a Hawaiian Nightshade on the verge of extinction, from the Saddle area of Hawai'i Island.
Koa, Acacia koa, common canopy tree of old growth rainforests of Hawai'i.
'Iliahi, Santalum paniculatum, Hawaiian Sandalwood is found in drier high elevation habitats of Hawai'i Island.
Loulu, Pritchardia beccariana, the Hawaiian Fan Palm is found in windward rainforests of Kilauea and Mauna Loa on Hawai'i Island.
Meu, Cibotium chamissoi, is the least common of the Hawaiian Tree Ferns, and is found in old growth rainforests.
Rainbow in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Nene Goose, Branta sandvicensis, the State Bird of Hawai'i.
Very interesting - it's like you're from another world...I like your unique perspective on those tree shots.
Dave, I'm "homesick" for the Islands already. It was but last month when I was blessed to see some of the lovely view of Hawaii! So I was seeing your native tree in blooms. Now I learn of your DG's screename. Metrosideros named after the State official tree!!!
Hi Lily!
'Ohi'a is the official Tree of Hawai'i Island, the Big Island.
The official Tree of the State of Hawai'i is the Kukui, Aleurites moluccana. It was introduced to Hawai'i by early Polynesian settlers (Hawaiians).
Aloha, Dave
Good morning to you Dave, (9am HI's time). So that means each Island has its official tree? Ohi = Metrosideros? = Big Island official tree. Did I understand that correctly? Thanks.
'Ohi'a - spellled just like that.
I'm not sure if every Island has an official tree, but they do have official flowers.
Hawai'i - 'Ohi'a Lehua, the flower of the 'Ohi'a tree, Metrosideros polymorpha.
Maui - Lokelani, the Damask Rose Rosa damascena.
O'ahu - Pua 'Ilima, the flower of the 'Ilima bush, Sida fallax.
Kaua'i - Mokihana, the flowers & fruit of the Mokihana tree Pelea anisata.
Moloka'i - Pua Kukui, the flowers of the Kukui tree, Aleurites moluccana.
Lana'i - Kauna'oa, the Hawaiian Dodder vine, Cuscuta sandwichensis.
Kaho'olawe - Hinahina, flowers of the Coastal Heliotrope, Heliotropium anomalum.
Aloha, Dave
Dave, your posts are making me crazy (in a good way). We vacationed on Kaua'i last September and ever since I have been obsessed with the plants we saw.
Due to health issues we are looking at moving somewhere warmer, and Hawai'i is now at the top of my list. (Though my hubby isn't too happy about that.)
Until then I will enjoy looking at your pictures and trying to grow these tropicals inside.
Mahalo and aloha.
Aloha nui loa!
Beautiful pics. I love tropical plants. Thanks for sharing!