‘Ōhi‘a lehua is endemic to the six largest islands of Hawai’i and is the most common native Hawaiian tree, comprising 80% of Hawaii’s native forests. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family.

Apr 23, 2021 · One of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic tree, the ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is steeped in the Islands’ history. The flowers are gorgeous—coming in a variety of colors from red to yellow and even white—and have played muse for many local clothing and accessory designers.

'Ōhi'a is our favorite native plant to grow. It can be a tree or shrub based on the genetics of the parent plant. We grow 'ōhi'a from seed which flower after a few years and are likely to bloom red and start off with multiple trunks. We also grow 'ōhi'a vegetatively from mother stock that we have been keeping for many years.

Nov 2, 2021 · ʻŌhiʻa was already in love with a woman named Lehua, however. In an act of wild jealousy, Pele transformed him into a gnarled tree. Pele refused to undo what she had done, and so Lehua asked her ʻaumakua (deified family ancestors) to intervene.

Common Name: Ohia Lehua. Scientific Name: Metrosideros polymorpha. Range: Endemic to Hawaii. Comprises 80% of Hawaii’s native forests. Found in almost all Hawaiian ecosystems, both wet and dry, ranging from lowland dry shrublands and …

Feb 18, 2025 · The ʻōhiʻa lehua tree forms the backbone of Hawaii’s native rainforests, providing critical habitat and food for countless species. Its dense canopy helps regulate water cycles, reducing erosion and maintaining healthy watersheds that supply fresh water to communities throughout the islands.

‘Ōhi‘a liko (buds), Kalalau Valley overlook, Kokee, Kaua‘i This Kaua‘i variety has particularly large, silvery leaf buds. Photo JB Friday, 2013. In Hawaiian mythology, ‘Ōhi‘a and Lehua were young lovers. The volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the …

Nov 14, 2020 · Help protect our ohia forests from rapid ohia death: Support watershed protection efforts to remove invasive plants and animals. Respect the inter-island quarantine. Keep reporting suspect...

Hālau ‘o Kapikohānaiāmālama haumāna visit “Mama ʻŌhiʻa” – the oldest and largest known ʻōhiʻa lehua on Maui – with staff from The Nature Conservancy in Waikamoi Preserve.

The ʻōhiʻa lehua is the most common native tree in Hawaiʻi. Often called a pioneer plant, they are one of the first species to colonize fresh lava fields and excel at making soil more habitable for other plants. ʻŌhiʻa lehua is also responsible for keeping water within forested areas.