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.