Plants of Hawai`i

Native plants of Hawai`i -Species that arrived before human contact.
Endemic – found only in Hawai`i. More than 95% of Native Plants are endemic.
Indigenous – plants that also occur in other geographic areas
Early Polynesian Introductions -Plants brought by early Polynesians on their voyaging canoes and considered very important in early Hawaiian culture.

• Ohia – Native, Endemic – the “pioneer tree”  – the first species to populate a cooled lava flow
• Koa- Native, Endemic – the KING of Hawaiian trees
• Iliahi (Sandalwood) – Native, Endemic – once abundant on Hawaii Island, now very rare
• Kukui  – Polynesian Introduced, Indigenous – The STATE TREE of Hawaii – The ancient symbol of enlightenment, the revered kukui or candlenut tree has provided oil, light, adornment and medicine for centuries
• Kolea – Native, Endemic- Found in Ohia forests
• Alahe’e – Native, Indigenous shrub
• Maile – Native, Endemic vine
• Mao Hau Hele – Native, Endemic, Endangered – The STATE FLOWER of Hawaii
• Ulei – Native, Indigenous
• Kalo (Taro) – Polynesian Introduced, Indigenous – a vital part of the spiritual, nutritional and agricultural culture of the Hawaiian people.

For more information:  contact Kaye for a complete list and prices