Ohi'a lehua tree

Description:

A hardwood tree endemic to all islands of Hawaii. Blossoms are called Lehua. Tree can reach 85 feet or stay small and bushy (if growing on basalt) Flowers are usually bright to medium red but orange-red, salmon, pink, yellow, or orange forms are also found. The flowers appear in clusters on the terminal ends of the branches. Masses of stamens extend from the flower and give the blossoms their characteristic pom-pon shape. Flowers attract Hawaiian honey creepers

Habitat:

The tree can grow anywhere in Hawaii but prefers soils that are acidic to neutral

Notes:

The tree has many uses and a wonderful Hawaii myth associated with Pele