PLANTS YOU MAY SEE AT KEOLAMAULOA
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.
