‘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. It is the dominant tree above 1,300 ft. ‘Ōhi‘a lehua is a very slow growing tree, which grows from 20 to 25 m (66 to 82 ft) tall in favorable conditions.

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.

Oct 8, 2007 · Ohia lehua can be tall straight trees in dry forests, stunted shrubs in montane bogs, or giant “walking lehua” in rainforests. Polymorpha is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and has adapted itself to almost every ecological zone from sea level to 7,000 feet elevation.

Metrosideros polymorpha, the ʻōhiʻa lehua, [4] is a species of flowering evergreen tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that is endemic to the six largest islands of Hawaiʻi. It is a member of the diverse Metrosideros genus, which are widespread over the …

Dec 6, 2023 · ʻŌhia lehua trees are a favorite of many native forest birds. One of the native trees still thriving in this area, standing before you is called ʻōhiʻa lehua. It is the most common native endemic tree found in the state of Hawaiʻi, meaning it is found here and nowhere else in the world.

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 …

'Ohi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is the most abundant and widespread tree in Hawaii. This slow growing native hardwood seeds freely and often starts as an epiphyte in fern forests. It is the first tree to appear on new lava flows where it offers watershed protection. The wood is of fine even texture and takes a good polish.

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.

Feb 18, 2025 · One of the most distinctive features of the ʻōhiʻa lehua is its vibrant flowers, which range in color from the iconic fiery red to yellow, orange, and even rare shades of pink. These blossoms are an important nectar source for native Hawaiian honeycreepers, such as the ʻiʻiwi and ʻapapane, which play a vital role in pollination.

One of the most important trees in Hawaiʻi, the ʻōhiʻa lehua makes up around 80% of our native forests providing food and shelter for many animals and insects such as native birds like the ʻiʻiwi and ʻapapane (honeycreepers) and the endangered ʻākepa along with …