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Mountain Apple - Syzygium malaccense

9/30/2016

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Image Source: Starr (commons.wikimedia)

Image Source: MurielBendel (commons.wikimedia)

Also known as Malay Apple.
Evergreen tree.
Crown spreads in a cone shape.
Can grow 16-65 ft. tall.
Edible fruit.
Harvested from wild and locally eaten.
Rose purple flowers.
Found in Southeast Asia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Guinea, Bismark Islands, and Northern Australia.
Has medicinal properties.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

Native in the Indo-Malayan region or Southeast Asia.
Cultivated over a long time in tropics.
Fruit is glossy red.
Fairly resistant to pests.

(Source: Elevitch, 2006)

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Mysore Fig - Ficus drupacea

9/29/2016

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Image Source: Vinayaraj (commons.wikimedia)

Image Source: J.M. Garg (commons.wikimedia)

Can grow 30-40 ft. tall.
In more humid forests, some specimens can grow up to 131 ft. tall.
Tree attaches to host and eventually over takes it.
Harvested from wild for local food, medicine, and wood.
Fruit is a vibrant orange-red color.
Range is East Asia, South China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Solomon Isles, Philippines, New Guinea, and Australia.
Grows wild in a range of soils.

( Source: UTP, 2014)

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Nanu - Gardenia brighamii

9/28/2016

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Image Source: Eickhoff (common.wikimedia)

Usually grows around 16 ft. tall.
Fragrant, white flowers.
Fruits gathered from wild can be used as a dye.
Native to Hawaii and mainly found there as well.
Habitat has been severely degraded by cows and goats.
Counted as "Critically Endangered" in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Habitat is dry forests, rocky gulches, plateau lands, or lava flows.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Narra - Pterocarpus indicus

9/27/2016

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Image Source: Judgefloro (Wiki Commons)

Hard wood is used for fire and hand crafted furniture.
Native in Malaysia and in the Philippines.
Usually red or rose colored, it has a high polish and has an enhancing rose-like odor.
Has fragrant yellow flowers followed by small winged seed pods.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Grows up to 80 ft. in height.
Flowers bloom in spring.
Moderate wind, salt, and drought tolerance.

Source: ( Rauch, 2000)

Medicinal properties from bark extracts.
Shredded bark is boiled down to a liquid to drink and treat dysentery and diarrhea.
Produces one of the world's most highly prized cabinet products.

Source: (Elevitch, 2006)

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Nawa - Sterculia urens

9/26/2016

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Image Source: J.M. Garg (commons.wikimedia)

Another common name is Karaya.
Deciduous tree.
Can grow 30 - 50 ft. tall.
Tree is sometimes cultivated in India and Sri Lanka for the gum which is used in medicine.
Fruit is armed with stinging hairs.
Range is East Asia.
Grows best in low elevations.
Gum from tree is used in curries.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Norfolk Pine – Araucaria heterophylla

9/25/2016

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Height can reach up to 200 ft.
Native to Norfolk Island.
Has been a large factor in reforesting parts of Hawaii.
Wood is used to make paneling, carving bowls, and jewelry.
It is often confused with the very similar looking cook pine, which is much more commonly seen throughout Hawaii.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Used for reforestation and popular potted plant.
Grown on Big Island commercially for Christmas tree.
First seedlings arrived in 1852.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

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Ohe - Tetraplasadra hawaiiensis

9/24/2016

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Image Source: Daderot (Wiki Commons)

Related to Ohe Makai.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

Endemic to Hawaii
Grows up to 60 ft.
Found in semi-dry wet forests on Big Island, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Natural habitat is threatened due to development.
Invasive plants and insects pose a major threat to the Ohe.
Education towards their conservation will help.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

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Ohe Makai Tree – Reynoldsia sandwicensis

9/23/2016

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Image Source: Forest and Kim Starr (Wiki Commons)

Endemic member of the ginseng family.
Hawaiians made silts that both children and men used for play purposes.
Related to Ohe.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

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'Ohia - Metrosideros polymorpha

9/22/2016

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Reaches to 66-79 ft. in height.
Most abundant tree in Hawai’i and native.
Red, salmon, pink, yellow, or orange flowers.
Very widely adapted to soil.
Many Hawaiians believe ‘Ohia forests are sacred to Pele, goddess of volcanoes.
Uses: honey, medicinal, wood, ornaments, religious importance.

Source: (Elevitch, 2006)

The floral symbol for Hawai'i.
Valued for its toughness and dark red color.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Slow growing.
Good wind and drought tolerance.
Part of Eucalyptus family.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

Flowers used to ease childbirth.
Leaf buds is made into a tea that is used as a tonic and to treat colds.
Provides watershed protection.
Temple images.

Source: (NTBG, 2016)

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Opiuma - Pithecellobium dulce

9/22/2016

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Image Source: Forest and Kim Starr (Wiki Commons)

Also known as Manila tamarind or Madras thorn.
It was given the name "Opiuma" by Hawaiians when it was introduced from native Tropical America.
Low spreading branches and drought resistant.
Valued ornamental tree.
Seeds have been distributed by birds in dry regions throughout Hawaii.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Up to 40 ft. high.
Useful tree planted for foliage accent, shade, or framing.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

Brought to Hawaii in the late 19th century.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

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Panama Tree - Sterculia apetala

9/21/2016

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Image Source: Dr. Ariel Rodriguez-Vargas (Wiki Commons)

Large, deciduous tree.
Up to 35-80 ft. tall.
There are prop roots at the base of the tree.
Produces and edible seed.
It is a source of medicine and oil for skin problems.
Widely planted in the tropics.
Fast growing species.

Source: (UTP, 2014)

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Parkia Tree – Parkia javanica

9/20/2016

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Image Source: Wendy Cutler (Wiki Commons)

Can grow up to 100 ft.
From India to Java.
Seeds can be roased and eaten.
The seeds and bark have medicine purposes.
Light-grey color bark.
Branches do not start until high up the tree.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

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Pili Nut Tree – Canarium vulgare

9/19/2016

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Image Source: Lance Catedral (Wiki Commons)

Can reach up to 100 ft. tall.
Native to Malaysia.
Distinctively large buttress roots.
The nut is edible and also provides oil to cook with or use for a lantern.
Planted in 1893 by Mrs. Albert Francis Judd – her husband was the sonof Gerrit Parmele Judd – one of Hawaii’s most significant historical figures in times of Monarchy.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

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Pink Bombax - Pseudobombax ellipticum

9/18/2016

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Image Source: Tatina Gerus (Wiki Commons)

Tropical American tree.
It is leafless in winter.
Brilliant pink blossoms in spring.
Five pink petals of the bud curl back to expose a puff ball.
Another name in Hawaii is the shaving brush tree.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Can grow up to 40 ft. tall.
Deciduous tree with smooth, highly ornamental bark.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

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Pink Cedar - Acrocarpus fraxinifolius

9/17/2016

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Also known as Shingle tree.
It is a fast growing and deciduous tree.
Can grow up to 98 - 196 ft. in height.
Commonly grown throughout the tropics in platations as a shade tree or an ornamental tree.
Has a wonderful flowering display when leafless.
Range is in East China.
Their foliage has a coral-red color.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

Image Source: Forestowlet (commons.wikimedia)

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Pogoda - Mimusops elengi

9/16/2016

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Image Source: Vinayaraj (commons.wikimedia)

Also known as Spanish Cherry tree.
Evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown.
Can gow up to 49-98 ft. tall.
Tree provides food, medicine, and other uses.
Ornamental tree in the tropics.
In some parts of Asia, it is considered endangered.
Habitat is humid lowland forests, but can sometimes be found by the sea and rocky locations.
Fruit turns yellow when ripe.
Many medicinal properties.

(Soure: UTP, 2014)

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Pua Kenikeni - Fagraea berteroana

9/15/2016

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Image Source: Starr (commons.wikimedia)

Can grow from 5 - 65 ft. tall.
Very fragrant tree.
Thick leaves, yellow flowers, and yellow turning to orange and red fruit.
Harvested from the wild for its flowers and wood.
Native to Hawaii and is considered sacred as well.
Has medicinal properties.
Flowers are used in perfumes and to scent cocnut oil.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Queen's Crape Myrtle - Lagerstroemia speciosa

9/14/2016

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Image Source: Vinayaraj (commons.wikimedia)

Also known as "Pride of India".
Fast groowing, deciduous, sub canopy tree.
Round crown.
Usually grows around 50 ft. tall.
Harvested from wild for medicinal purposes, as well as a source of materials.
Good quality wood and is traded in Myanmar and Assam.
Pink, purple flowers with crinkled petals.
Roots, stems, and leaves contain hydrocyanic acid.
Seeds are a narcotic.
Dense and wide spreading root system.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

Image Source: Sam Azgor (commons.wikimedia)

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Quipo - Cavanillesia plantanifolia

9/13/2016

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Image Source: EntBotanik (commons.wikimedia)

Can grow around 160 ft. tall.
Tall, deciduous tree with a surprisingly small crown for its size.
Small, buttress roots.
It can swell like a baobob to store water.
Trunk is traditionally used to make canoes.
Bark is a source of fiber.
Its habitat is being reduced due to human activity.
Their habitit is lowland moist and dry forests.
Found in South America and Panama.
Oil from seed have medicinal properties.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Rainbow Shower - Cassia x nealiae

9/12/2016

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Image Source: Forest and Kim Starr (Wiki Commons)

Originating in Hawaii.
Good wind and drought tolerance, but poor salt tolerance.
Flowers colors range from pale yellow, yellow, golden yellow, orange, and cerise.
It can grow up to 40 ft. in height.
Many different names for the colors, such as "Lunalilo Yellow", "Queen's Hospital White", "Wilhelmina Tenney", and "Nii Gold".

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

Hybrid tree that developed in the early 20th century in Hawaii.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

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Red River Gum - Eucalyptus camaldulensis

9/11/2016

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Image Source: Kubina (commons.wikimedia)

Fast growing, huge evergreen tree.
It can grow up to 195 ft. tall.
Widely known for its wood.
Planted throughout the tropics of the world.
Bark has "rainbow" colors.
Range in Southeast Asia to Philippines to New Guinea.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Royal poinciana - Delonix regia

9/10/2016

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Image Source: Scott Zona (Wiki Commons)

Flowers are hot orange to deep scarlet colored treetops in spring.
Hawaiians call the tree " 'ohia-'ula ".
Native to Madagascar.
Brought to Hawaii in 1855.
Rapid grower, tough, and can stand harsh conditions.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Other names are flam tree and flamboyant.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

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Sandbox tree - Hura crepitans

9/9/2016

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Image Source: Bolstad (commons.wikimedia)

Fast growing tree and its bole and leaves are covered in spiky spines.
In close quarters, it can grow up to 165 ft. tall., but in more open areas it can grow 30-60 ft. tall.
Small buttress roots.
Tree is harvested from wild for local use as medicine, wood, etc.
Ornamental tree is regions of Africa, Asia, and America.
Their habitat is moist coastal forests.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Sausage Tree - Kigelia africana

9/8/2016

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Image Source: Bernard Dupont (Wiki Commons)

Native to Africa.
Odd fruit is made into black dye.
Fruit looks like "sausages" which hang in clusters from long stems suspended from its branches.
Fruit is green a first, but then turns brown.
Inedible fruit that reaches 3 ft. long and weigh up to 15 pounds.
Blooms at night bearing purple flowers with an unpleasant smell, but then closes up at morning.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Can grow up to 50 ft. in height.
Good drought, moderate wind, and poor salt tolerances.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

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Sealing Wax Palm - Cyrtostachys renda

9/7/2016

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Image Source: Moebiusuibeom-en (commons.wikimedia)

Also known as lipstick palm.
Can reach up to a height of 50 ft.
Native to the Malay Peninsula, Southern Thailand, Borneo, and Sumatra.
Grows in lowland peat swamps, tidal coastal areas, and riverbanks.
Stems have a bright red color.
It in protected in Indonesia under law.
Widely used for palm oil.

(Source: NTBC, 2016)

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<<Previous

Mountain Apple - Syzygium malaccense

Mysore Fig - Ficus drupacea

Nanu - Gardenia brighamii

Narra - Pterocarpus indicus

Nawa - Sterculia urens

Norfolk Pine – Araucaria heterophylla

Ohe - Tetraplasadra hawaiiensis

Ohe Makai Tree – Reynoldsia sandwicensis

'Ohia - Metrosideros polymorpha

Opiuma - Pithecellobium dulce

Panama Tree - Sterculia apetala

Parkia Tree – Parkia javanica

Pili Nut Tree – Canarium vulgare

Pink Bombax - Pseudobombax ellipticum

Pink Cedar - Acrocarpus fraxinifolius

Pogoda - Mimusops elengi

Pua Kenikeni - Fagraea berteroana

Queen's Crape Myrtle - Lagerstroemia speciosa

Quipo - Cavanillesia plantanifolia

Rainbow Shower - Cassia x nealiae

Red River Gum - Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Royal poinciana - Delonix regia

Sandbox tree - Hura crepitans

Sausage Tree - Kigelia africana

Sealing Wax Palm - Cyrtostachys renda

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