This is exactly how I feel about this amazing shrub or tree, it just radiates and sparkles with such wild abandon. It wants to take up all your focus and attention because it says boldly to all “ Yes, I bloom today just for your wondering eyes, isn’t it just so?”
The Metrosideros polymorpha or Ohia Lehua is a Hawaiian native tree that grows very well throughout the Hawaiian islands especially in East Hawaii where they are abundant and wild. Typically the most common color is the red Ohia Lehua tree which blooms sporadically throughout the year, but has its main flush of blooms in spring time and the whole tree is filled with red colors. This yellow Ohia is more rare and is quite impressive don’t you think?
The Ohia Lehua has many cultural and historic references to Hawaiian lifestyle, history and use. Early Hawaiians revered this small tree as a construction material for their homes, tools, ships and weapons. The flowers and leaf buds were used for making leis. The flowers were also used medicinally for pain during childbirth. This is clearly one of my favorite trees on the island and when they bloom they really do put on a show in this mostly green landscape.
For more exciting views of beautiful blooms go visit http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/
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18 comments:
Aloha Noel - I think radiate is just the perfect word to describe this little beauty of a bloom. It must stand out quite a bit on the island at this time of year. :) Rosie
Definitely a bloom worth featuring... lovely, Noel! :)
They do radiate a sunny glow, and the lighting in that second shot is beautiful. The blooms remind me a little of the mimosa trees here (or, as we used to call them, pink powderpuff trees).
Very exotic to my Canadian eyes, Noel!
Those are some neat facts, and I couldn't agree more on the descriptive "sparkle" for this tree. Great photos too!
Couldn't take my eyes off your header picture (Datura?) long enough to travel down to the glowing yellow. I've been going up and down on the page like a yoyo :-)
Thanks for your visit.
jo
What a great plant! Thank you for sharing another piece of Hawaii with us all.
What beautiful Ohia Lehua flowers!
Namaste, Noel!The tree is very beautiful. The information about it is also very interesting. Have a nice weekend!
Look so much like the water apple flowers. I had one in front of my house planted by my neighbour but he had cut it down due to the many attacks of fungus and parasites.
Sooooo pretty! I would love to have that growing where I live. no, I think I would love to live where that is growing.
The flower is typical of our water apple (jambu air). Beautiful color. ~bangchik
hi Noel, this is definately a tree worth revering...lovely photos...
Aloha, Noel! What a beauty. I can see why it was revered by all. Practical, for building and tools and even medicine -- and so beautiful it almost doesn't look real...
it's gorgeous and sounds very useful as well. The blooms look similar to the mimosa trees which are blooming everywhere here right now.
Your Ohia Lehua is a treat - a little firework itself. Thanks for focusing on one plant and giving us a little background. That was refreshing and interesting. (Not that I don't appreciate surveys, too. They keep track of gardens through the months, year over year.)
Aloha, What a gorgeous bloom on your tree. I agree that it resembles mimosa tree blooms. Have a wonderful wknd, Noel.
Beth
I saw some plants like this in Batanes, Philippines, however i haven't seen them in my entire travels. I just say they look similar to the Makopa flowers. Maybe the scientific name is just like what you posted from Hawaii, though i haven't seen them in the Big Island though. Or maybe that time i am not that curious yet.
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