LIHU‘E — Gates to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Pua Loke arboretum opens at 8 a.m. Friday for its annual plant sale celebrating Arbor Day in Hawai‘i. The sale, featuring many native Hawaiian plants as well as several species
LIHU‘E — Gates to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Pua Loke arboretum opens at 8 a.m. Friday for its annual plant sale celebrating Arbor Day in Hawai‘i.
The sale, featuring many native Hawaiian plants as well as several species which are rare and endemic to Kaua‘i, will run until 2:30 p.m. at the arboretum, located near the Department of Water in Lihu‘e.
Lynlie Waiamau of the DOFAW said local floral enthusiasts and rare plant collectors look forward to the annual event, its 44th since starting in 1968, since DOFAW started offering federally listed threatened and endangered plants, native to Hawai‘i and used for the state’s conservation programs.
“Planting a native plant celebrates the forests which are fundamental to our way of life,” said William Aila, of the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, in a DLNR release. “Hawai‘i’s native forests provide the islands’ water supply by absorbing large quantities of moisture from passing clouds and rainfall.”
Topping the offering for this year’s 44th sale are several native hibiscus species, which are rare and endemic to Kaua‘i and the Hawaiian Islands.
Ma‘o hau hele, or Hibiscus brackenridgei, the state flower, is known for its brilliant yellow blossoms. One specimen grows near the Island School Hawaiian Studies building as well as at the Po‘ipu sinkhole.
The delicate red-flowered Koki‘o ‘ula, or Hibiscus clayi, is historically found in dry forests of Nounou and Anahola mountains.
Another rare hibiscus is the Koki‘o ke‘o ke‘o, or Hibiscus waimeae ssp hanarae, grows in moist forests of Limahuli, Hanakapi‘ai and Kalihiwai. Its fragrant white flower is notably smaller in size than its more common counterpart, Hibiscus waimeae ssp waimeae, which is endemic to Waimea Canyon and also available for purchase.
Another rare plant is the ‘Ohai, or Sesbania tomentosa, known for its salmon to scarlet colored butterfly-shaped flowers prized by lei-makers. The National Tropical Botanical Garden visitor center on the South Shore features several specimens because of its ability to tolerate drought-like conditions. These characteristics make it an idea choice for xeriscaping.
“Watershed forests reduce greenhouse gases, flooding, erosion and silation of reefs and fisheries,” Aila said. “Native plants also have cultural significance, regarded as elders and ancestors, or used for medicines, offerings or other material needs.”
Two important Hawaiian medicinal plants, Noni, or Morinda citrifolia, and Mamaki, or Pipturus species, also will be featured at the sale.
Other more common native plants available for sale include the Loulu, or Pritchardia minor, a native fan palm which makes an ideal backyard tree due to its small stature. Local lauhala weaver Margaret Lovett had a hat she created by weaving fronds of the Loulu palm during the first anniversary of the cultural center at Coconut MarketPlace.
Wili Wili, or Erythrina sandwicense, threatened by an invasive gall wasp several years ago, is now available, the tree commonly found in lowland dry forest areas on the leeward side showing bright reddish-orange seeds, which can be strung into lei.
Native wetland sedge, Makaloa, or Cyperus laevigatus, the coastal beach pea Nanea, or Vigna marina, and the Hawaiian cotton plant Ma‘o, or Gossypium tomentosum, are also scheduled to be on the sale listing.
To encourage the use of native species in home landscaping, DOFAW will offer two non-invasive exotic ornamentals cherished for their fragrant flowers and used in lei. These include the Pua kenikeni, or Fagraea berteroana, and the Tahitian gardenia Tiare, or Gardenia taitensis.
Prices start at $3 and up, depending on the species and size.
Waiamau said this sale is a great opportunity for people to support DOFAW’s Kaua‘i programs and be able to bring home plants to cultivate a native garden.
Call 274-3433 for more information.
