Issue 13: Flower of Maui, Pink Lokelani

E kolo ana no ke ewe i ke ewe.
The root creeps toward other roots.
Kin seek out and love each other.

Organism of the week! Pink Lokelani - Rosa damascena
This deciduous shrub can grow up to 7ish ft tall and has bristles and prickles to protect itself.  It is not native to Hawaii, nor can it be found in the wild anymore, but is most likely from the Middle East.  This flower is very fragrant and clearly lovely to look upon, and I believe is used in lei.
It's believed that this flower was brought to Hawaii in the 1800s, possibly by English crews and whatnot, vaunted for its beauty and fragrance.  Since it doesn't seem to thrive in the wild these days, it's impact on our native ecosystem is hopefully minimal.


The internet seems to have a limited supply of information on this flower though - if you happen to have anything to add, please do share in the comments below!


-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here and here


PS: I'm currently in the process of moving into my apartment, so the next few blogs may be similarly brief, but fear not I'll do my best to devote time to posting some interesting bits here anyways!

Issue 12: Flower of the Big Island, Red `Ohi`a Lehua

Pupukahi i holomua.
Unite to move forward.

Organism of the Week!  Red Lehua flower, Metrosideros Polymorpha
This is a flower I've been trying to skirt around because it is one of my more favorite ones, and I didn't want to end up lehua-ing out my limited audience.  It is our banner after all.
This flower grows on the `ohi`a lehua tree which can grow quite tall - up to 60 ft according to the internet, but in person they always seem taller (to me at least).  They also could be as small as shrubs and still flower well, as can be seen in lava fields that have calmed enough for some green to return (see dramatic photo below).  The wood of the tree is considered a hardwood, and may be used for making furniture or flooring, although use of it as such in these modern days is limited.  Often if you do see furniture made from `ohi`a, it is very organic looking and may not suit the average buyer.
The tree also puts out aerial roots that tend to slope down the trunk of the tree.  Extra nourishment from the air!

The flower itself is not a petaled flower as you can see here, but more of a spray of color.  This flower is a common sight on the Big Island and is often used in lei and decorations, and is practically the insignia of the Big Island.  Perhaps due to its hardiness and interesting spray of color that the flower is often associated with the fire goddess Pele, who is said to reside here on the Big Island (surrounded by forests of `ohi`a, incidentally).
In any case, this flower also comes in other shades, the less common yellow and the even more rare cross-bred orange.  All very attractive plants, if you ask me.

Sourced: Here but also my own knowledge
-Sabrina Robello





Community Events
PhD Dissertation Defense: Tues. July 17, 3pm-4pm, Manoa Campus Marine Science bldg, Rm 100
I tend to troll through UH Manoa's event calendar, and things like this pop up, but this dissertation is regarding global warming and its affects on the environment.  Seemed like an interesting event to me, but please do read more here.

Issue 11: Flower of `Oahu, Golden `Ilima

Ho`okahi leo ua lawa.
One voice is enough.
One reminder is all you need.

Organism of the Week! - Pua `ilima - Sida fallax
In 1923 the territorial governor decided that this golden flower would be `Oahu's designated flower emblem.  In 2000, Governor Cayetano endorsed this decision by signing some official documents designating it as such.  However, I didn't have the slightest clue each island could be represented by a different flower, so this is news to me.

This flower actually looks a bit like our state flower, the hibiscus, except it's much smaller from what I understand.  The coloration can also vary as well, but in this case `Oahu's flower is particularly of the yellow-golden variety.
Incidentally, ancient Hawaiians had many uses for this plant.  Juice from the flowers were a mild laxative used by children, and the flowers were eaten by pregnant women.  Root bark combined with the flowers would treat asthma, and chewing the buds would alleviate thirst (when water was difficult to find I suppose?).  The stems of the plant could also be used as slats for roofing, or would make excellent supplies for making baskets.
These days the flower is pretty for landscaping purposes, and easy to grow in dryer climates (unsurprising for a flower of `Oahu).
Sourced: Here

Community Events!
Monk Seal Mania - Thurs. July 12, Waikiki Aquarium, 3pm-3:45pm
The aquarium is hosting an event about monk seals - admittedly for younger audiences, but it might still be fun and definitely interesting.  Event costs $2, a paltry sum for an interesting afternoon.
Kako`o `Oiwi - Sat. July 14, Directions Here, 8:30am onward
This is another volunteer opportunity working in a lo`i, out near Kaneohe.  If you're in the neighborhood and interested in applying some native Hawaiian practices, this is the place to be.  You may want to take some more modern precautions though - the website requests volunteers wear sneakers, as well as sunscreen and bug spray.

Issue 10: July 4th

E ho`ohuli ka lima i lalo.
Turn the hands down.
Hands palms downward is usually when the hands are most productive.

Another late post!  On the up side, I've completed my course so there will be no more excuses for late or minimal posts!  On the down side, this is my last lame excuse blog for the summer (or at least the next month).

808 ID Booth

In any case, this week is the week that our Independence Day falls on.  While I'm not overly patriotic and even if I were I hardly think this would be the appropriate place to harp on about that - in Volcano town on Big Island, that means that it's time for the annual Fourth of July parade and community festival!  This includes a very interesting craft fair!
Volcano is generally known as a small town filled with art hippies and the annual summer craft fair does not disappoint.  Beautiful wares of all types can be found ranging from kitschy masks, soaps, or potholders to beautifully carved koa items, sparkling glassware and jewelry.
But why is this relevant?  Well I know many of our club members frequently travel to the Big Island and would perhaps appreciate the beautiful pieces inspired by our native surroundings.  I've seen glassware inspired by our lava fields that practically glows on its own, or lively sculptures of the i`iwi, things that are just fantastic.
But whether or not you can afford these treasures, just the sight of them all is pretty inspiring.  Or maybe it's just me.  In any case, if you're on the island, come on up to Volcano to check it out.  The parade ends at the Volcano Community Center, where the festival and craft fair is held.