Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 1990 — Naturally Hawaiian [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Naturally Hawaiian

By Patrick Ching artist/environmentalist

Lehua—proud blossom of Hawai'i

Of the thousands of I plants that inhabit the ( Hawaiian islands, one I stands out as a symbo! I of Hawaii's flora. Aside I from being the most I abundant tree in I Hawaii's nativeforests, I the 'ohi'a lehua is also I one of the most beauti- ■ ful and culturally significant of Hawaii's plants.

The 'ohi'a lehua is sacred to Laka, the goddess of dance and is alSo associated with the family of the fire goddess Pele. With closely related species growing on most major high islands throughout the Pacific, it is obvious that the 'ohi'a lehua has a very efficient method of dispersal. Indeed, its tiny seeds may be carried for great distances on the wind or attached to the feathers or muddy feet of birds who enjoy the sweet nectar of the blossoming lehua flowers. The fact that its seeds are resistant to cold temperatures and sea water aids in the successful dispersal of the plant. The 'ohi'a lehua is usually one of the first plants to colonize virgin land areas such as new lava flows or land slides. It ean be found growing in a wide spectrum of environments ranging from low, eoastal areas to some of Hawaii's highest upland forests. In fact, this very diverse plant existsin just about every type of forest throughout the state. Its size and shape may vary greatly also. In wet bogs a full grown plant may be less than one foot tall while in other areas trees may reach heights of 75 feet or more. The brilliantly colored lehua blossoms eome in an assortment of colors with crimson red being the most eommon. Other colors such as yellow, orange, salmon pink, and even white also exist though they are quite rare. Most of Hawaii's nectar sipping forest birds rely heavily on the lehua blossom as a source of food.

One might say that the lehua is to Hawaii's forest birds what kalo is to the Hawaiians. The beautiful blossoms of the lehua as well as the liko (young leaves) and flower buds are used extensively to make leis and other decorative ornaments. The hard wood of the 'ohi'a was used for making spears, mallets, carved images and in more recent times flooring and furniture. Legends associated with the 'ohi'a lehua are numerous to say the least. One of the more notable legends tells of how madame Pele, in a fit of jealous rage, sent her lava to destroy her sister Hiiaka's favorite 'ohi'a forest. Thus it was said that if one was to pluek a lehua blossom on his or her way into the forest Hiiaka's tears would cause the rain to fall.