'Ohi'a lehua
'Ohi'a
lehua, Metrosideros polymorph, is the most common hardwood tree
in Hawai'i and the most common tree of the wet forest. It is endemic to all
major islands except Kaho'olawe and Ni'ihau. It is the first tree to appear
on new lava flows, where it provides watershed protection and habitat for
native birds and insects. Ohi'a lehua is also found in mature forests - frequently
growing alongside native koa (Acacia
koa Gray).
'Ohi'a lehua is surprisingly adaptable to a wide range of habitats from about sea level to nearly 7,000 feet, in lava fields, dry forests, wet forests and bogs. Its mature height is four inches in forest bogs, but in young volcanic substrates in rain forest habitats it can reach 100 feet.
These large 'ohi'a trees where found along side the road on Koloko Drive on the slopes above Kailua-Kona. Large stands of 'ohi'a lehua trees can be seen on the road from Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Young o'hi'a trees can be seen on the newer lava flows when travelling from South Point to the Volcano area.
Kumu Hula Etua Lopes wearing a lei po'o (head lei) made with red and
yellow lehua
The Hawaiian name for the 'ohi'a flower lehua means "hair". These lovely fluffy red (but occasionally salmon or yellow) flowers represent the Island of Hawai'i and have long been used in lei making.
Ohi'a
lehua wood is extremely hard, dark red, polishes nicely but is difficult
to cure. Early Hawaiians used the wood for tools, weapons and temple images.
Modern uses include flooring, fenceposts, and fuel.
The wooden structural supports of Hulihe'e Palace are 'ohi'a lehua. The Moku'aikaua Church, across Ali'i Drive from the Palace, was also constructed using 'ohi'a structural members. At left: Detail of 'ohi'a pillar in Moku'aikaua Church
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