ʻŌhiʻa Lehua
Endemic tree, meaning it is found in Hawaiʻi and nowhere else in the world. The ʻōhiʻa is a pioneer species on new lava flows and has adapted to grow directly in lava rock. Hawaiians utilize the hardy tree for building houses, canoes, spears, while the flowers are used in lei and sung about in chant and hula
Scientific Name: Metrosideros polymorpha
Endemic: All HI except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe
Description: Of the five different species of ‘ohi’a recognized, this is the most variable. The leaves of this plant range from 1/2″ to 3″, they can also be very glabrous or very hairy. The new leaves or liko range in color from dark purple, almost black to red, gold and everything in between. Some plants bush out while others grow to over 80 ft. tall. The ‘ohi’a or lehua as some people call, are best known for its flowers. They are just as variable as the plants themselves. Color ranges from very dark red (lehua ‘apane) all the way through to yellow (lehua mamo) or even white (lehua kea) according to some legends. I’ve even seen a flower that was dark red at the base, gradually faded to yellow and finally ended with greenish tips, it was unbelievable.
Distribution: The ‘ohi’a is an endemic plant found on all of the main islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe, at least that’s where they’re found today, They were most likely found on those other islands in the past. Today ‘ohi’a are found mainly at higher elevations, there are some places where you can still see them on the coast and in lowland dry forests but these instances are very rare. Originally, there range extended from sea level all the way up to around 6,500 ft.
Landscape Use and Care: Plant ‘Ohi’a anywhere. It is such a beautiful plant it deserves to be as dominant in the landscapes as it is in the native forests. Once planted it should be watered daily for up to 3-4 months in well drained soil. After that once every 2-3 days is sufficient unless you live in a very dry place or on the beach. Generally the plant reaches a height of about 15-30 feet in the landscape but height can be controlled by pruning, this also stimulates bushiness. Stem borers sometimes eat out stems and eventually the whole plant, often killing it. If you see a limb beginning to dry out, cut it off immediately to prevent further damage.
Cultural Uses: One of the most important woods in Hawaiian culture, ‘ohi’a was used for a number of things: In house construction, rafters and posts were made of it; decking, seats and gunwales of canoes were also made of ‘ohi’a; various leis either used the flowers, flower buds or leaf buds of ‘ohi’a; it decorated hula altars for the god Kuka’ohi’a and religious images called ki’i were made of ‘ohi’a as well.
‘Ohi’a probably evolved here in Hawai’i from plants that originally came from either New Zealand or perhaps Australia thousands of years ago. They are from the same genus and look very similar to each other. Many nurseries in Hawai’i grow these nonnative varieties, not knowing the potential damage they may be causing from cross-pollenation with native species. It is important to stick to growing native species to preserve the genetic integrity of the plants. If possible, growing plants that are specific to your island or even region of the island is best, they’re probably better suited to growing in that region anyway.
