Flowering Hawaiian Plants
- Gardenias are often associated with Hawaii, but are not native to the islands.Gardenia flower image by Buonfiglio from Fotolia.com
Plants native to the islands are categorized as endemic, and non-native plants are nonendemic. It is thought that droppings from birds as well as seeds brought from other countries to the Hawaiian islands have influenced the types of flowering plants available on each island. The University of Hawaii Botany Department maintains a list containing a few hundred plants, with many more nonendemic plants than endemic to the islands. - Some poinsettias grow in bush and tree forms as part of the landscape in Maui.poinsettia hedge 3. image by mdb from Fotolia.com
According to the East Maui Watershed Partnership, "the first settlers of the Hawaiian islands were heavily dependent on plants to provide their daily needs, from food, to food servers, water gourds, ropes, clothing, housing material, fish nets, canoes, musical instruments and much, much more." Hawaiian flowers are exported worldwide for use in perfumes, creams, lotions and even in dried teas. - The yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii.hibiscus orange 2 image by Philcopain from Fotolia.com
The state flower of Hawaii is the yellow hibiscus, also known as the pua aloalo. Each island also has its own flower. For example, the Big Island's flower is the red ohia, which is shaped like a starburst and can be found on the branches of the native ohia tree. According to Aloha Hawaii, this flower is considered a sacred flower to the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele. - The protected silversword flowers only once in its lengthy lifetime, then dies.Moonflowers image by ErichM from Fotolia.com
Tropical flowers are known for their vibrant beauty, but they will only thrive in similar subtropical conditions to their USDA Hardiness Zone. Avoid giving in to the temptation to uproot plants while you visit Hawaii. This is not only illegal, but in some cases the plants are protected or at risk of endangered status. Some examples include the state flower, the yellow hibiscus; the silversword plant; red-flowered geranium; and Hawaiian aster. - The flowering plants of Hawaii help locals and tourists to experience the many traditions of the islands. Many flower blossoms are used to create leis, or garlands, which are given to visitors as a sign of greeting, exchanged between friends, or made in celebration of life events such as weddings or funerals. Floral leis are made primarily from orchid petals, but can also be made from pikake, or jasmine, and plumeria. Flower blossoms are often the subject of traditional Hawaiian quilts. These complicated quilts are displayed as works of art, and created for special occasions.
