ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The flowers are gorgeous coming in a variety of colors from red to yellow and even white.
Hawaiians use the ohia tree in many ways. Its wool was used as kapa clothing the boards were used to pound poi or building homes. The flower was used as medicine an example was in childbirth to alleviate pain.
The nectar from its flower helps feed the apapane (Hawaiian honeycreeper) and the now extinct mamo (black Hawaiian honeycreeper).
The ohia tree can grow in rugged, barren land like an old lava flow. This tree can also close its stomata or breathing pores to block toxic gasses that can be blown from Kilauea volcano.
As you hike in Volcanoes National Park you will often see this ugly, gnarly tree with beautiful flowers on it. You are walking through an ohia forest.
These trees have been hit by one of two fungus called Ceratocystis huliohia and Ceratocystis lukuohia. The disease caused by these fungal species has been named Rapid ʻŌhia death. It’s among the top concerns ʻōhiʻa, as there is currently no cure. One thing we can do when hike in Volcanoes National Park is to clean your hiking boots with 70% alcohol before entering the trail. Wash off your car before entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to go on a guided hike with Volcanoes Hiking Guides.
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