![]() ![]() ![]() It comes in oranges, yellows, reds, and greens. This gigantic flower hails from Central and South America, where it is pollinated by hummingbirds. Some types of hibiscus are popular for teas and dyes. This Hawaiian flower is about three inches across, has five petals, and has a long style (reproductive organ) that grows out from the middle of the flower. Hawaii has several native species of hibiscus, however, most hibiscus flowers in cities and gardens are species brought from elsewhere in the world. These Hawaiian flowers look like the hibiscus (below) and are actually part of the same plant family. Different species of the plant grow in wetter, forested habitats of the islands. This plant is common on beaches in sandy soil. Before plants from the new world were brought to the islands, this flower was a favorite for traditional Hawaiian leis (flower necklaces). This flower is the official flower for the island of Oahu. Look out for this Hawaiian flower when strolling through the jungles of the islands. The flowers are little pom-poms that come in yellow and red. It can grow as a shrub, or up to 75 feet tall in the perfect conditions. This adaptability has helped it thrive, even among all the pressures facing native Hawaiian ecosystems. The Ohia lehua can grow in a broad range of rainfalls, soils, and temperatures. This tree is the most common native tree on the Hawaiian islands. Here, we will explore a couple of common native and non-native flowers. ![]() Most ornamental flowers you will see in Hawaii are brought from abroad. Two hundred of these species have fewer than 50 individual plants left in the wild. Sadly, Hawaii is home to 44% (344 species) of the endangered plant species in the entire United States. These aggressive, invading plants outcompete native vegetation, which leaves nowhere for the native Hawaiian flowers to grow. As a result, some non-native plants can grow unhindered. Hawaii’s ecosystems evolved separate from the rest of the world, so the diseases and insects that normally keep plants in balance in their native habitats do not exist in Hawaii. These species are known as invasive species. While most of these species are pleasant and harmless, some became extremely detrimental for Hawaii’s ecosystems. Throughout history, humans brought thousands of non-native plants, insects, and animals to the islands. In fact, ninety percent of native Hawaiian flowers live nowhere else in the world. Many of these species are bizarre, flowering plants. The species that survived this journey morphed into new species throughout time, which created a nearly unique ecosystem on the Hawaiian islands. A new plant arrived to the islands about every 100,000 years. All native species on the Hawaiian islands arrived by bird, sea or wind. In the beginning, the Hawaiian islands were simply mounds of lava rock. These islands appeared in the ocean with no life whatsoever. This tropical paradise is made up of volcanic islands. Hawaii is a fascinating place for all kinds of biology. ![]()
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