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
pono plants
Bele
AKA: edible hibiscus, Tongan spinach Abelmoschus manihot, commonly called bele, 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
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
Nursery Spotlight-Sandalwood Nut Company
Driving along the road high up on the slopes of Mauna Kea, Mark Hansen suddenly stops the truck, exclaiming, 'Look at that sandalwood tree!! The Sierra Club volunteers planted this four years ago. It's so healthy! How did I miss it until now?" The gorgeous sandalwood, or ‘iliahi, hiding inside a … [Read more...] about Nursery Spotlight-Sandalwood Nut Company
5 reasons to Grow Native
Here are the top 5 reasons you should grow native plants. One easy way to help native species thrive and survive is by giving them a home in your gardens and landscaping. Nurturing native plants provides each of us the chance to participate in healing the land while offering habitat to native fauna … [Read more...] about 5 reasons to Grow Native
Naupaka kahakai, The right plant for the right place
Hawaii Long ago, the buoyant seeds of Scaevola taccada (naupaka kahakai) buoyant seeds floated across the sea: cruising on currents, riding on waves, and finally landing upon distant shores to grow. Modern day studies have shown that naupaka kahakai seeds are most viable after spending an average … [Read more...] about Naupaka kahakai, The right plant for the right place