Endemic
(Metrosideros Polymorpha)
Description:
The
‘ohi’a lehua has a diverse in shape, ‘ohi’a lehua can be
very small, naturally bonsai form as well as 25 m (80 ft) tall. The rough,
twisted gray trunk and pompom-like flowers are distinctive. The leaves are
thick, leathery but smooth texture. The leaves are a dark green color on the
surface and often hairy on the other side is often silver.
The flower blossoms are usually red,
but may be yellow, orange or a salmon-colored.
Where is it located?
It’s
distributed in a wide variety of habitats on the six largest Hawaiian Islands
from near the sea level up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft).
The wind-dispersed seeds often
germinate on the trunks of tree ferns.
Cultural uses:
Hawaiians
used the hard, strong wood to make poi boards, bowls, idols and kappa (bark
cloth) beaters. Young ‘ohi’a leaves are often used to make lei.