“Every time you say a native plant’s name, it gives life and breath to that plant,” said Brad Belmarez, co-owner of Aikane Nursery and Landscaping. The family-run business no longer uses botanical names for plants in favor of their Hawaiian names. Located in Hawi in the Kohala district of Hawai'i Isl … [Read more...] about PLANT PONO SPOTLIGHT – Aikane Nursery and Landscaping
Pono Plant: Royal poinciana
All over Hawai’i island in the summer months, the royal poinciana puts on a blazing display of red and orange. Even on the east side of the island, we can witness the royal poinciana in full bloom right now. The scientific name Delonix regia brings together delos and onux, the Greek words for “ … [Read more...] about Pono Plant: Royal poinciana
What’s the Stink About Night Blooming Jasmine?
Introduction Popular for its sweet scent rather than for its hideous form, Cestrum nocturnum, commonly called night blooming jasmine, is the most commonly sold horticultural invasive species. This sprawling shrub has pointed alternately arranged leaves, green bark, tubular white flowers, and … [Read more...] about What’s the Stink About Night Blooming Jasmine?
8 reasons to grow indoor plants
Introduction Humans have been bringing plants inside for thousands of years. Babylonian residents were among the first humans to “domesticate” house plants and grow them inside. Evidence of indoor plants was found in the ruins of Pompeii. Our ancestors felt the benefits of having plants in their en … [Read more...] about 8 reasons to grow indoor plants
Accelerating landscape change
Nonnative plant introductions have changed Hawaii forever. Alien introductions like pineapple and plumeria are synonymous with Hawaii. These pono species are good. They feed us and make our land more beautiful. But some alien plants escape cultivation and drastically harm he native … [Read more...] about Accelerating landscape change
