Wildfires in Hawaiʻi used to be extremely rare as the only sources of ignition were eruptions and dry lightning strikes. Therefore, our native ecosystems are especially vulnerable to fire disturbance. Unfortunately, modern land use change has resulted in the extensive spread of fire-prone grasses … [Read more...] about Top 10 Fire-Resistant Plants for Hawaiʻi
Canoe Plants
Mea kanu (plants, crops) that sustained Hawaiians for 1,500 years Although the landscapes within an ahupuaʻa would have varied depending on available resources, the cultivated plants listed above were near constant throughout the islands. Some of these important plants were already here when … [Read more...] about Canoe Plants
Bele
AKA: edible hibiscus, Tongan spinach Commonly known as bele, Abelmoschus manihot is a superfood everyone should grow. It’s so easy to cultivate that even those without a green thumb should be successful. This species was once in the Hibiscus genus. While the flowers look similar, bele flowers … [Read more...] about Bele
Barbas de Indio (Andropogon bicornis)
In 2013, the introduced grass Barbas de Indio (Andropogon bicornis) was found naturalizing near Lava Tree State Park outside Pahoa, Hawaii. It grew in an area cleared for utility lines through mixed native/non-native ‘ōhi‘a. Likely, the plant had been established for some time, but amidst the many … [Read more...] about Barbas de Indio (Andropogon bicornis)
When living fences escape
Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, “The first man who, having fenced in a piece of land, said ‘This is mine,’ and found people naïve enough to believe him, that man was the true founder of civil society.” For better or for worse, fencing has shaped cultures around the world. Fences regulate our … [Read more...] about When living fences escape
14 Privacy Hedges for Hawaii
When living close to roads, parks, and other homes, natural barriers to create privacy are often desired. Installing fast-growing plants to screen your land is a great idea that can yield multiple benefits - if the right plants are used! Plants provide oxygen and shade, protect our yards from wind … [Read more...] about 14 Privacy Hedges for Hawaii
