ʻohia lehua

Description:

Metrosideros polymorpha also commonly known as ōhia lehua is a species of flowering evergreen tree in the myrtle family. The tree may be as tall as 25 ft in height. It is commonly known for its brilliant flowers that range in color from red to yellow. Leaves are small and pale green in color.

Habitat:

Ōhiʻa lehua grows easily on lava. It can grow at any elevation from sea level to the treeline. This plant is found on all six of the large Hawaiian Islands (Hawaiʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Niʻihau). It is commonly found in wet and dry forests, high shrublands, and lava fields. This particular plant was found in Kapalama, Hawaiʻi.

Notes:

The ōhiʻa lehua is endemic to Hawaii. In ancient Hawaiʻi it was believed that the plant was sacred to Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Ōhiʻa lehua wood was used for various things such as construction of buildings and tools. The plant was also used for lei and for medicine.