Family: Myrtaceae

Due to the wide range of habitat for ʻōhiʻa, this tree is also the most variable of all native tree species. Which makes sense given that its species name is polymorpha meaning “many forms.” ʻŌhiʻa can be found in small shrub to large tree forms, display various leaf colors, shapes, textures, and exhibit incredible floral colors like red/pink, yellow, orange, and even cream! The bark is light gray and rough from the tree twisting as it grows. Leaves are oval-shaped and sometimes appear wooly. Those who observe ʻōhiʻa will notice an array of eye-catching liko (leaf buds) that distinguish each tree.

Habitat & Uses

ʻŌhiʻa lehua makes up 80% of native forests making it the most common native tree in the Hawaiian Islands. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, elevations, and climates. As a pioneer plant, ʻōhiʻa are the first trees to sprout from new lava. Its ability to thrive in lava landscapes, the ashy scaly bark, and explosive blossoms all contribute to this plant’s beloved association with the volcanic deity Pele. You can commonly find this tree growing naturally in moist and dry forests from sea level to 8000 feet. ʻŌhiʻa is so widespread because of its tiny boomerang shaped seeds, which allowed them to be dispersed along the wind currents. As a keystone species of many forests on our young island, ʻōhiʻa is foundational to native ecosystems, food webs, and watershed health.

ʻŌhiʻa is most commonly gathered for lei and hoʻokupu (offering), but it’s also seen in woodworking and traditional medicine. It’s a great ‘honey plant’ as it attracts many pollinators due to its abundance of nectar. ʻŌhiʻa honey is also prized by humans for its thick creamy texture and delicate sweetness. ʻŌhiʻa wood is one of the hardest woods in Hawaiʻi, but it is not widely used on a commercial level. Traditionally, wood was used to build homes and canoes as well as to fashion tools and weaponry. However currently, it is essential not to move untreated ʻōhiʻa wood around the State to prevent the spread of rapid ʻōhiʻa death (Ceratocystis spp.).

Landscaping & Cultivation

ʻŌhiʻa makes for a striking specimen in any landscaping where it can serve as a windbreak, shade tree, or background ornamental. This tree can grow to over 40 feet tall in landscaping depending on conditions. You should strive to buy or cultivate ʻōhiʻa that are from a similar region as where you live. This gives your ʻōhiʻa the best chance at thriving where it is already adapted to.

When growing ʻōhiʻa be sure to set up a boundary area around the base of the tree to make sure the plant does not get damaged by weedwhackers or ungulates. You can use rocks or chicken wire to make a low circular barrier and mulch around the base to keep weeds down. This will ensure that your ʻōhiʻa does not end up with wounds where fungal spores that cause rapid ʻōhiʻa death can enter.

You can propagate ʻōhiʻa by seed, cuttings, and air layers. Seed: Collect seed capsules in a paper bag/envelope when they are brown, but before they split open. Keep capsules dry and eventually they will release seeds on their own. Seeds can be stored for up to 3 years in a refrigerator, but it is recommended to sow seeds as fresh as possible. Each capsule holds hundreds of seeds, but less than 20% is typically viable. Be sure to use a sterile 1:1 potting mix to cinder and be sure to keep soil fairly moist with gentle irrigation. It’s best to have seeds somewhere covered to protect from weather damage and be sure they get enough light. If successful, you should see germination in 7-14 days.

Cutting: Cut stems that are around 1/4″ diameter and 4-6″ long. Use a rooting hormone and grow in very well draining medium. Air layer: ʻŌhiʻa responds to standard air layering techniques with the use of a strong rooting hormone. Presence of aerial roots on the tree seems to result in easier air layering.

Name Origins

A moʻolelo says that anyone who picks a lehua blossom will cause rain, due to the sad parting of lovers. The story personifies an infatuated warrior as an ʻōhiʻa tree and his beautiful lover as the lehua flower. One day, Pele came across ʻŌhiʻa and fell for him. Unfortunately, ʻŌhiʻa was loyal to Lehua and refused her advance. An enraged Pele transformed ʻŌhiʻa into a tree. So, after pleading with the gods, a mournful Lehua became the alluring adornments of the ʻōhiʻa forever more. This is just one of many mentions of ʻōhiʻa across Hawaiian moʻolelo, mele, ʻoli, and hula.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Cut flower
• Fragrant
• Lei flower
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Shade
• Specimen
• Windbreak
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers