PLANT CATALOG - ‘OHI’A
Aloha!
Today, we’re diving into one of the most iconic trees of Hawaiʻi: the ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha). Whether you’ve admired its flowers on a hike or heard about it tied to its origins, the ʻōhiʻa is more than just a tree.
Let’s talk story about this incredible plant, covering how to care for it, its rich history, and why it’s so important to our islands.
Caring for Your ʻOhiʻa
If you have an ʻOhiʻa in your yard, or you’re thinking about planting one, it’s important to know that this tree thrives when treated with aloha:
1. Soil and Location
• ʻOhiʻa are endemic to Hawaiʻi, meaning they are only found here. They thrive in volcanic, well-draining soils, whether that’s on lava rock or sandy areas.
• Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot for planting. These trees are tough, and they adapt to everything from sea level to alpine zones, but they love a space that mimics their natural habitat.
2. Watering
• While ʻOhiʻa are drought-tolerant, young trees need consistent watering until they establish strong roots. After that, they’ll do good with occasional deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
3. Pruning and Maintenance
• Keep your ʻOhiʻa happy by trimming dead branches and allowing airflow between limbs. Avoid over-pruning, though—these trees are slow-growing and take time to recover.
4. Protection from Disease
• Rapid ʻOhiʻa Death (ROD) is a fungal disease that has devastated forests across Hawaiʻi. To protect your tree:
• Avoid injuring the trunk or roots.
• Sterilize tools before and after pruning.
• Never transport ʻōhiʻa wood or plant parts between islands.
Uses and Benefits of ʻOhiʻa
1. Environmental Impact
ʻOhiʻa lehua plays a vital role in Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems:
• Water Retention: Its roots help maintain the island’s watershed, ensuring streams and springs stay fed.
• Habitat: Native birds like the ʻiʻiwi and ʻapapane rely on lehua blossoms for nectar.
• Erosion Control: Its dense root system stabilizes soil, especially on lava slopes.
2. Cultural and Practical Uses
• The lehua blossoms are prized for lei-making, symbolizing aloha, love, and connection to the land.
• ʻOhiʻa wood, known for its durability, was traditionally used in building hale (houses), tools, and weapons.
Summary
As I learn more about Hawaiʻi’s plants, I’m learn that each one tells its own story. The ʻOhiʻa lehua, with its strength, beauty, and cultural significance, stands as a guardian of our forests and a reminder of our kuleana (responsibility) to care for the land.
Whether you’re planting an ʻOhiʻa, making a lehua lei, or simply admiring its blossoms on your next hike, take time to look at this tree. Its roots run deep in Hawaiʻi’s history.
Mahaloz,
KANU