Hawaii is home to a various range of beautiful , colorful , exotic - looking bloom . Hawaii ’s flora and fauna are unique to the island land , with many aboriginal and endemical tropical flowers only found on the archipelago . From the sensational native yellow hibiscus shrubs to exotic flowers like Hawaiian lobelioids , Nanu , kokolau , and ohia lehua , aboriginal flowers from Hawaii never fail to impress in the tropical paradise .
Native Hawaiian flower have adapted to the archipelago ’s unique mood and volcanic soil . In gain to adding vibrant colors to exuberant landscapes , flowers in Hawaii are important to Hawaiian polish and custom . For example , aboriginal flowers are used to create leis — garlands used to press out lovemaking and “ Aloha . ”
This article explores the becharm dish of native Hawaiian bloom . Pictures and description of the blossom that make Hawaii ’s flora especial will help you bring out the arresting world of alien flowers .
Types of Hawaiian Flowers
prime in Hawaii can be categorized into four primary groups — native , indigenous , indigenous , and non - aboriginal . Some non - aboriginal flowers like frangipani have naturalized well and have a vital character in Hawaiian tradition and polish .
Here are short descriptions of the types of Hawaiian bloom you’re able to discover on the islands :
aboriginal Hawaiian flowers : These plants by nature occur on the Hawaiian islands without human intercession . These plants have adapted to the local climate , soil , and other environmental term , forming an integral part of the ecosystem . They play a crucial role in keep biodiversity and supporting wildlife .
endemical Hawaiian flower : These native plant are bump alone in one or more of Hawaii ’s eight major islands . indigenous plants bring a crucial role in the ecologic balance of the ecosystems in Hawaii .
Indigenous Hawaiian flowers : These plant specie are also aboriginal to the archipelago but are also found in other geographic locations . Like native and endemic plants , they are vital for biodiversity in local ecosystem .
Non - native Hawaiian flowers : These types of plants arrive in Hawaii by humans , either designedly or accidentally . Non - native plant can sometimes outcompete aboriginal species , disrupting biodiversity . However , some non - native plants tame well and become part of the local plant and fauna .
Native Hawaiian Flowers
Let ’s look at some of the sensational aboriginal plants with beautiful prime in Hawaii . Some Hawaiian plant life are non - native but have adapted well to native habitats on the island .
Hawaiian Hibiscus
Yellow hibiscus(Hibiscus brackenridgei)is the province bloom of Hawaii . However , several othertropical Hawaiian hibiscus speciesexist . These exotic anthesis plants add to the state ’s rich botanic multifariousness . Generally , seven type of hibiscus bush are considered native to one or more of the eight islands .
Ma’o Hau Hele ( Hibiscus brackenridgei):Also called theyellow hibiscus , it ’s a sprawling shrub with bright jaundiced funnel - shaped flowers . Due to habitat exit , it ’s endangered in its native habitats . Ma’o Hau Hele is the official flush of the Hawaiian islands .
Ma’o Hau Hele concur a special stead in the heart of Hawaii as it is the state ’s prescribed flush . This denomination underscores its significance not just to Hawaii ’s raw ecosystems , but also to its cultural identicalness and heritage . As the commonwealth flower , it symbolizes the beauty and unequaled biodiversity of the Hawaiian islands , piddle it a precious allegory of local pride and born beaut .
Ma’o Hau Hele ( Hibiscus brackenridgei )
Hawaiian white hibiscus ( Hibiscus arnottianus):Awhite - flowering shrubendemic to Hawaii . It ’s identified by itswhite funnel shape flowerswith a blazing red or pink protruding stamen . Apart fromHibiscus waimeae , it ’s the only species offragrant hibiscus flowersin the world .
Hawaiian white hibiscus ( Hibiscus arnottianus )
Red Kauai rosemallow ( Hibiscus clayi):Called Koki’o ‘ ula’ula in Hawaii , this bush has showy , bright , or dark red flowerswith slender , spreading petal . Its appearance is likeHibiscus kokio , and it ’s endemic to Kauai .
Red Kauai rosemallow ( Hibiscus clayi )
Akiohala ( Hibiscus furcellatus):Indigenous to Hawaii , this spreading bush is make love for its funnel - shape pinko or violet flower originate on plants 6 to 8 foot . ( 1.8 – 2.4 m ) tall .
Akiohala ( Hibiscus furcellatus )
Koki’o ke’oke’o ( Hibiscus waimeae):The outstanding feature of this endemic Hawaiian plant is itsbrilliant white-hot flowersthat have a secure , mellifluous scent . Its native habitat is the Hawaiian island of Waimea .
Koki’o ke’oke’o ( Hibiscus waimeae )
Koki’o’ula ( Hibiscus kokio):This endemical species of hibiscus hasbeautiful orange flowerswith minute petal and a vivid yellow and red stamen .
Hibiscus kokio subsp . saintjohnianus
Sea hibiscus ( Hibiscustiliaceus):Popular for growing in Hawaii ’s coastal areas , thisyellow - flowering hibiscus shrubhas attractive yellow blossom with dingy red throats . aboriginal to Hawaii , theflowering bush is also pop in Florida .
Sea hibiscus ( Hibiscus tiliaceus )
Frangipani (Plumeria)
Plumeria flush come in various colour
Frangipani , also known as Plumeria , is not native to Hawaii , although its colorful , alien bloom have become a symbol of Hawaiian refinement . This deciduous small tree diagram is aboriginal to Central America , Mexico , and the Caribbean . Frangipani is a popular cosmetic garden plant , celebrated for its fragrant flowers in tincture of white , red , yellow , pink , and various pastels .
A white frangipani tree ( Plumeria obtusa )
The tropic Frangipani tree has beautiful , fragrant , asterisk - shaped flowers with a waxy grain . These blossom sport five symmetrically arranged flower petal that can have either polish up or pointed confidential information and vary in sizing , forming a perfect star shape .
A red frangipani Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( Plumeria rubra )
The pocket-size tropical Frangipani can reach up to 20 foot . ( 6 m ) in acme but typically grows as a shrub , measure 6 to 8 foot . ( 1.8 – 2.4 m ) tall and wide .
Frangipani , also lie with as Plumeria , is one of the iconic flowers used in Hawaiian lei making . Lei making is the traditional Hawaiian guile of make garlands from tropical flowers , shells , nuts , feathers , and leaf . The scented fragrance and striking show of Plumeria blooms make them a best-loved alternative for wreath . These garlands are worn during authoritative life events and afford as gifts of ciao to receive visitor , commemorate milestones , and honor be intimate ones . Despite being a non - aboriginal Hawaiian plant life , Plumeria has secured a firm berth in local culture and traditions .
Frangipani lei
ʻŌhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
The ‘ Ōhiʻa Lehua , celebrated as Hawaii ’s state Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and a sanctified symbol within Hawaiian cultivation , is a native species that decorate the six largest Hawaiian islands . Its typical cherry flowers , which form a pommy - pommy like cluster of stamen , are a vivacious direct contrast against the backdrop of its downhearted - special K , leathery leaves , symbolizing the productive raw heritage of Hawaii .
In ideal conditions , ‘ Ōhi’a lehua grows 66 to 82 ft . ( 20 – 25 thou ) tall . The endemic Hawaiian Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is also one of the most widespread trees on the island . It arise in moist , dry , wet , andcloud forestsand thrive in volcanic soils .
calculate on its growing term , the plant can grow as a prostrate shrub . In boggy areas of the islands , ‘ Ohi’a lehua is one of the most common Hawaiian shrubs .
Beyond its ecological significance , the ‘ Ōhiʻa Lehua is deeply engraft in Hawaiian culture as a consecrated symbol . According to ancient Hawaiian fable , the ‘ Ōhiʻa tree and Lehua bloom be two lovers , ‘ Ōhiʻa and Lehua , tragically separated by the fire goddess Pele ’s green-eyed monster . Transforming ‘ Ōhiʻa into a tree and Lehua into its flower , the fable says that picking a Lehua heyday will bring pelting , symbolizing the endless bout of the separated lovers .
ʻIeʻie (Freycinetia arborea)
ʻIeʻie is a native Hawaiianclimbing plantwith slender , woody stems and typical airy roots . The works is qualify by Salmon River - orange pointed bract produce spiked flush . These are surround by shiny greenish , shoulder strap - similar leaves . The indigenous plant is found in native forests , where it attaches itself to a server tree with its ethereal roots .
‘ Ie’ie is a vigorous , tight - raise climb plantthat can get through the timberland canopy . Its woody stems can grow 60 foot . ( 18 m ) long and settle in the earth or go up Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree trunks in moist wood . Its evergreen plant leaves measure 16 ” to 31 ” ( 40 – 80 curium ) long and 1.18 ” ( 3 cm ) wide .
Māmane (Sophora chrysophylla)
Māmane is an autochthonic plant species with dainty sensationalistic peak that blossom in wintertime and spring . key out features of the Hawaiian prime works include bunch of yellow flowers , pinnately compound leaves with foggy yellow undersides , and twisted dark-brown - gray seed pod .
The Hawaiian bush - like Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can grow up to 50 ft . ( 15 MB ) tall . However , it ’s smaller when spring up as a bush . Its pinnate leaves have up to ten pairs of cusp , each measuring 0.28 ” to 2 ” ( 0.7 – 5 cm ) long .
Māmane is an endemic plant life of Hawaii , found on six of the eight Hawaiian islands . It most unremarkably grow in teetotal forests at over 4,000 ft . ( 1,220 m ) . However , it also thrives in low shrublands and mixed mesic forests .
Hawaiian Cotton (Gossypium tomentosum)
forebode ma’o or huluhulu in its native Hawaii , this yellowness - flowering cotton plant grows in scummy shrublands . It ’s endemic to the Hawaiian islands , where the shrub grow 5 to 10 ft . ( 1.5 – 3 m ) tall . The shrub ’s enceinte , showy , yellow heyday bloom from later summertime through wintertime .
This Hawaiian shrub has maple - like farewell mensurate 5 ” ( 13 cm ) in diam with three to five lobes . Its bright yellow , hibiscus - like blooms counterpoint nicely with the silvery - green or greyish - greenish leafage .
Hawaiian cotton is typically found in dry , rocky habitats and cantolerate drouth conditions . The plant has long roots that gain deep into the land , helping it to survive coarse surround . In Hawaiian landscapes , the low - growing bush is used as a hedge or accent plant or trimmed to get as ground cover .
Hawaiian Lobelioids
Niihau lobelia ( Lobelia niihauensis )
Hawaiian lobelioids are a broad variety of flower plants indigenous to the Hawaiian island . The aboriginal blossom are known for their singular , tubular - determine , showy flowers . Flowers in theLobeliagenus efflorescence in blue , regal , pink , and ruby-red shade . Some of the most exotic flower types have bunch of curved flower petal spring horizontal or vertical spikes .
big - spiked lobelia ( Trematolobelia macrostachys )
Many Hawaiian Lobelioids are queer or critically queer due to habitat loss , encroaching species , and other terror . Among the species , there is great variation in industrial plant case . Some are vine - like climbers , whereas others grow as small tree - alike bush with flowering stiletto heel or loose cluster .
They are typically regain in wet and montane forests , and their conservation is a priority for preserving Hawaii ’s native flora .
Wai’anae Koko’olau (Bidens amplectens)
Wai’anae Koko’olau is a native flowering Hawaiian works with eye - catching yellow ray flowers . The icteric oval petals surround a bronze - orangeness magnetic disc with seven to nine petals per prime . This herbaceous plant has slightly furred , pinnately compound leaves measuring 3.5 ” to 6 ” ( 9 – 15 cm ) long .
The small perennial shrub grow 5 to 10 ft . ( 1.5 – 3 m ) tall . The shrubby tropic bush arise in dry shrublands and coastal areas . Its attractive icteric flower and deep green foliage add together decorative appeal to tropical garden landscape painting .
Wai’anae Koko’olau is an endangered species endemic to the island of Oahu . Unfortunately , home ground departure and invasive plants threaten the shrub ’s existence in the wild .
Cosmosflower Beggarticks (Bidens cosmoides)
Cosmosflower beggarticks is aflowering climbing plantfound on the Hawaii island of Kauai . The characteristics of the tropical plant life are its splashy yellow flowers and lanceolate green leaves . Its cup - work yellow flowers have daisy - similar petals and showy stamens , measuring up to 3 ” ( 7.5 cm ) in diam .
The locals call the flora po’ola nui , a coarse Hawaiian plant for use in lei production . Apart from its spectacular yellow flowers , the plant has pinnate chemical compound leaves 4 ” to 12 ” ( 10 – 30 centimeter ) long , with up to nine pointed leaflets .
The sprawling stem of cosmosflower beggar ticking grow 3 to 8 ft . ( 0.9 – 2.4 thou ) long . Like many endemic plants on the Hawaiian islands , home ground loss and invasive weeds have put the chicken - bloom plant under threat .
Oahu Riverhemp (Sesbania tomentosa)
Also called ‘ ōhai , oahu riverhemp flower with centre - catch ruby - orange tree flowers . The flushed - flower plant is endemical to the main Hawaiian island . It grows as a little bush or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , reaching up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) tall . Its foliage lie in of silvery - gray oval leaflet , and flush are up to nine per clump .
grow in Hawaiian garden landscapes , oahu riverhemp has a spreading nature up to 10 ft . ( 3 meter ) in diam . It also has distinctive , curved seed pod that measure 3 ” to 9 ” inches ( 7.5 – 22 cm ) long . These semen cod moderate modest , rounded source that are dispersed by water .
When growing as a flat red - blossom shrub , oahu riverhemp isideal as primer coat cover . However , in its bush physical body , it acts as an accent industrial plant , hedge , privateness screen , or magniloquent tree diagram .
Nanu / Forest Gardenia (Gardenia brighamii)
Nanu — or Na’u — is a small aboriginal Hawaiian tree with fragrant lily-white flowers and dark unripe shining leaves . The pure snowy tubelike flowers have six or even lobe , a sweet scent , and measure 1 ” ( 2.5 cm ) long . Additionally , the succulent tropical plant calendered fleeceable , oval - shaped leaf up to 4 ” ( 10 cm ) long .
Nanu is a slowly - growing plant and grows up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) tall in its instinctive habitat of the major Hawaiian islands . In addition to the beautiful white-hot blossom , the tropical beauty produces ellipse to round fruits containing several seeds .
‘Uki‘Uki (Dianella sandwicensis)
‘ Uki‘uki is an indigenous native lily with small yellow and purple flower clusters . The characteristics of this Hawaiian clumping plant are its tussock of shoulder strap - like arching dark green leafage measuring 1.5 to 3 foot . ( 0.45 – 0.9 m ) tall , modest star - shaped flowers , and purple berry . The low - growing leaf plant flourish in full sun .
In its aboriginal habitat , ‘ uki’uki expand in ironic shrublands , crocked forests , and grassland on lava . In garden landscapes , the ornamental plant is idealistic asground covering in full sunor fond shade , border planting , or foundation planting . Although the empurpled berries are edible , they are not tasty .
Other uses in the landscape include container planting , understory planting , or accenting larger bush .
Beyond its aesthetic appeal , ‘ uki’uki plays a meaning role in Hawaiian culture . The perdurable fibers from its leaf are used in traditional garland making , providing cloth for intricate and meaningful florilegium . Additionally , the purple berry serve as a informant of natural dye , historically used in Hawaiian kapa ( bark cloth ) making . This cultural usage highlights the plant ’s importance beyond its ornamental value , implant it deep in the heritage and practice of Hawaiian society .
Molokai Ohaha (Brighamia rockii)
Molokai Ohaha — or Pua ‘ ala — is endemic to the Hawaii island of Moloka’i and bloom of youth with lily-white , trump - shaped flowers . The identifying feature of speech of this Hawaiian plant are its succulent tree - like bole , white-hot tubular blossom , and toothsome , ellipse leaf measuring up to 9 ” ( 22 atomic number 96 ) in diam . The leaves acquire in a rosette form .
Molokai Ohaha grow 3 to 16 ft . ( 0.9 to 5 thou ) tall .
Molokai Ohaha has conform to imbed in residential landscape . Its long , arching , branchless automobile trunk - corresponding stem with a russet scab of leathery leaves and trumpet - shaped flowers give landscapes a classifiable appearance . The plant execute well in ironical , verbose , and exposed surroundings . It also flourish in containers with an airy dirt mix .
Pua Kala / Hawaiian Poppy (Argemone glauca)
Pua Kala — or the Hawaiian poppy — is prized for its livid flush and upright stem overlay in deeply rationalize foliage . aboriginal to Hawaii , this plant has white , loving cup - shaped flowers with six snowy , papery petals surrounding a yellow center . The perennial herbaceous plant has prickly stems with glaucous green leaves .
The Pua Kala plant arise as a clop perennial , reaching 3 to 6 substructure ( 0.9 – 1.8 m ) . It thrive in dry , bouldered areas and is worthy for rock gardens and xeriscaping . It alsotolerates poor soil conditionsand performs well in sandy or volcanic grunge .
Landscape use for pua kala include a native borderline hedge , foundation planting , or specimen flora . Its thick , jaggy stems also help keep undesirable animal aside from your garden . It ’s also Hawaii ’s only aboriginal poppy .
Naupaka (Scaevola taccada)
Naupaka is a shaggy-haired coastal plant blooming with unco frilled white flower petal . This indigenous native Hawaiian flower has five petals in a half - ray of light or fan - alike shaping . It has succulent , heart - form , or oval leaves measuring 3.14 ” to 10 ” ( 8 – 25 curium ) long . This Hawaiian shrub produces pear-shaped , overweight drupe .
Also cry beach moolah or sea lolly , the tropical shrubs flourish in coastal landscape on Pacific islands . It grow 3 to 12 foot . ( 0.9 – 3.6 m ) tall and up to 15 foot . ( 4.5 m ) across . Its dense , evergreen foliage makes the shrubideal as a hedge , privateness screenland , orevergreen priming coat cover .
Hāhā (Cyanea angustifolia)
Hāhā is a eccentric of Hawaiian lobelioid with eye - catch clusters of violet and white tubular flowers . The flower cluster bloom under the tree ’s canopy . The tree ’s immense tropical leave measure several foot long , forming a palm - alike canopy on a branchless tree trunk . It develop up to 15 foot . ( 4.5 m ) marvelous .
Aka ‘Aka ‘Aka (Hillebrandia sandwicensis)
Aka ‘ aka ‘ aka is a rare , endemic Hawaiian flower with beautiful cup - shaped white blooms and xanthous stamens . This usual blossoming industrial plant has hairy , sheeny light-green leaves with lobed margin . The white and wan pinkish prime flower from February through June , contrast nicely with the green foliation . The blossoming plant grow up to 4 foot . ( 1.2 m ) tall .
Also called pu’a maka nui , theHillebrandia sandwicensisis an strange industrial plant because it belongs to the begonia familyBegoniaceae . However , it ’s not in the genusBegonia . Its aboriginal habitats are the Hawaiian islands of Kauai , Maui , and Molokai .
Koki’o (Kokia cookei)
Koki’o is a red - flowering tropical flora endemic to the Hawaiian island Moloka’i . The Hawaiian tropic tree blossom with large red flowers consisting of twisted and recurved orangish - red flower petal . Its leaves measure 1 ” to 5 ” ( 2.5 – 13 centimeter ) wide and have five to seven bare lobes . Koki’o grow 10 foot . ( 3 m ) tall .
Koki’o is a deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and one of the most endangered plant worldwide . Only a few grafted mixed bag remain in the wild .
Nehe (Melanthera integrifolia)
Nehe is a aboriginal Hawaiian coastal works that isideal for ground cover . The go around Hawaiian shrub is characterise by its yellow daisy - like flowers measuring up to 0.66 ” ( 1.7 cm ) in diam . The yellow flowers appear above the foliage , which consists of elongated testis - regulate leave . It spreads up to 7 foot . ( 2.1 m ) wide .
Nehe ’s natural habitat is along the sandy beaches and bumpy shore of the Hawaiian islands . Therefore , it ’s tolerant of sea spray , drought , short dirt , and full sun . The entwine stem create dense foliage ; however , it does n’t become invasive in its natural habitat .
This coastal plant grows up to 3 ft . ( 0.9 m ) magniloquent and has a spreading habit . Its leathery leaves measure around 2 ” ( 5 cm ) long . The bloom of Nehe are small and fragrant , and they blossom yr - round , adding beauty to the Hawaiian coastline .
Hawaiian Iliau (Wilkesia gymnoxiphium)
Hawaiian iliau is a flowering plant endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauai . The unusual Hawaiian flower plant life has woody stanch up to 16 ft . ( 5 m ) grandiloquent with a huge egg - shaped cluster of yellow daisy - like efflorescence blooming mid - summer . It has point , elongated leave growing in whorls under the flower bunch .
Hawaiian Iliau is a shrub - corresponding industrial plant with an unbranched succulent stalk . Before flowering , the farsighted , steady leaf form a spiky crown . When flowering , the large flower bunch protrudes above the plant . Up to 350 minuscule creamy - jaundiced flowers can bloom in a single cluster .
This Hawaiian flower plant flourish in dry dirt and full sun in garden landscapes . It also grows in containers to add texture , greenery , and an exotic twist to garden landscapes .
Maiapilo / Hawaiian Caper (Capparis sandwichiana)
Maiapilo is a character of Hawaiian prime flora with stunning white flowers . The fragrant white blooms appear at nighttime and have masse shot of long , showy stamen . These white blossoms contrast with the ellipse leaf that are thick , dark gullible , and leathery . It bloom throughout the year .
The small sprawling plant grow up to 5 foot . ( 1.5 m ) tall and 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) wide . The beautiful efflorescence works execute well in dry , shallow , rocky ground , tolerating full Lord’s Day and drought . you’re able to plant it in a coastal garden as asmall hedge , earth cover , or spreading plant life for lava rock gardens .
Hawaiian Red Cranesbill (Geranium arboreum)
The Hawaiian red cranesbill is a flower species native to the Hawaiian island of Maui . The aboriginal blossom are known for their vibrant ruby-red or magenta coloration and recurved petals . This perennial Hawaiian shrub has lanceolate foliage with jaggy edge and beat 1.6 ” ( 4 atomic number 96 ) long . The shrubby plant grow up to 13 ft . ( 4 m ) marvelous .
Also called nohoanu , the flushed - bloom geranium is singular among the genus . It ’s the only one in the genus that birds pollinate , and it ’s only establish on Maui .
The plant grow 6.6 – 13 ft . ( 2 – 4 m ) tall and has green - lob leave on top and red - purple on the undersides . The blood-red flower organize clusters at the terminal of the branches and have five petal .
Hawaiian violent crane’s bill is a democratic pick for landscaping due to its striking crimson flowers and ability to withstand drought weather condition . It is also an important plant for aboriginal Hawaiian birds and insect , providing them with a ample nectar source and habitat .
Silver Geranium (Geranium cuneatum)
Geranium cuneatum subsp . cuneatum ( left ) and geranium cuneatum subsp . tridens ( correctly )
Silver Geranium — topically known as hinahina — is a white - blossoming indigene to Hawaiʻi Island and Maui . The diminished , shaggy-coated Hawaiian flower works has silver - gray foliage covered in tiny hairs . The shrub bloom with five - petalled white flowers , sometimes sport regal vein . The native bush thrives in coastal areas , arise on bouldered or sandy soil .
silvern geranium shrubs uprise 1 to 3 ft . ( 0.3 – 0.9 m ) tall and wide . The small-scale alpine shaggy-haired plants are idealistic as ornamental shrubs , white - flowering ground concealment , or foundation planting .
Its leaves are covered in fine hair that assist protect the plant from high wind and salt spray . The plant produces small white bloom in clump , adding a delicate mite to its silver leafage . The shrubby plant life grows in open , siccative areas and higher elevations in its lifelike habitat .
Lilikoʻi / Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis)
Lilikoʻi — normally acknowledge as passion yield — is anon - aboriginal vining plantthat grows well in Hawaii . The outstanding characteristic of the recurrent fruit - bearing vine is its glossy purple and white flowers . The large flowers measure up to 3 ” ( 7.5 cm ) wide with ashen petals that organize a fringe .
The warmth yield vine was introduced to Hawaii and quickly became naturalized in the island . Itspurple fruitis highly valued for its sweet , sourish flavor and overweight , jellylike pulp .
Passion fruit
In Hawaii , passion fruit vine are ideal landscaping solutions fordecorating arbors , pergolas , and trellises . Its edible fruits are used to make sweet , jams , or marinades for meat . Also , a local fineness — lilikoi butter — is a tasty yield curd .
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Dragon fruit , also sleep with as pitaya , is a tropic fruit that has become popular in Hawaii . This unique cactus industrial plant features flat , triangular arching stems . The plant blooms at Nox with showy cup - mold blank bloom with yellow center several times a year . The manifest cactus yield has vivacious pinko , scaly tegument hem in crunchy , sweet , white figure .
Dragon yield ( pitaya )
Dragon yield stems have a sprawling , creeping , or climbing habit . Its bloodless flowers are 12 ” ( 30 cm ) long , and the ball - shape , pink - skinned fruits are 5 ” ( 13 cm ) long . The straggle vine are common in tropic landscape painting .
Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)
Red ginger is a tropic plantwith brightly color reddish flower - like bracts . Native to Malaysia , the striking blood-red tropic flowers make it a pop ornamental plant in Hawaii , especially on Hawaii ’s Big Island . The crimson blooms are clusters of undimmed red , cone - mould flower that resemble torches or an ostrich ’s plumage .
Red ginger has leafy cane - like stems that maturate 3 to 15 ft . ( 0.9 – 4.5 m ) tall and 4 foot . ( 1.2 m ) wide . Its strike red flowering spike can grow 12 ” ( 30 atomic number 96 ) tall , make by funnel - shaped bracts . The plant ’s oblong leave raise up to 32 ” ( 81 cm ) long and 9 ” ( 23 curium ) astray .
The fall upon red or pink cone - form flower head add tropical flair to Hawaiian gardens and are popular in floral arrangements . you may also plant red-faced ginger as a moulding plant or focal power point , enhancing the aesthetics of tropical and semitropic landscapes .
Kanawao (Broussaisia arguta)
Kanawao is a Hawaiian inflorescence plant life aboriginal to all the main islands . Thisflowering type of Hawaiian hydrangeafeatures star - form purple efflorescence with showy stamens . The beautiful flush form rounded or flatten clusters 2 ” to 4.5 ” ( 5 – 11 centimeter ) in diameter . The large tropical leaves are 10 ” ( 25 centimeter ) long and channelise at both end .
The born habitat of Kanawao on Hawaii ’s islands is mesonic or wet woodland and moist valleys at high elevations . The tropic hydrangea shrub grows 5 to 10 foot . ( 1.5 – 3 m ) tall and has a overspread ontogenesis habit .
Tropical Bird-of-Paradise (Strelitzia)
The fowl - of - Eden is a stunning tropic plantwith distinctive flowers resembling a crane ’s top dog . AlthoughStrelitziaisn’t aboriginal to Hawaii , it ’s pop in Hawaiian garden . Its flowers have bright orangish or yellow flower petal and a blue tongue - like structure emerging from the center . Its leaves are grayish - light-green and produce in clumps .
Bird - of - promised land flowers blossom on erect , sturdy stanch 4 to 5 ft . ( 1.2 – 1.5 m ) tall . These spectacular flush ascend above the plant ’s dark green , banana tree - comparable leaf measure up to 2 foot . ( 0.6 m ) long .
The tropical bird of paradise sum a touch of exotic peach to Hawaiian gardens . The flora is n’t invasive or negatively impacts local ecosystems despite being enclose to the islands .
‘Akoko (Euphorbia celastroides)
‘ Akoko is a Hawaiian shrubby flora aboriginal to Hawaii , especially the islands of Maui and Kauai . The low - growing , upright shrub has blue - gullible , narrowly obovate folio , clump of small-scale whitish - yellow flowers , and reddish fruits . The attractive shrub rise up to 5 ft . ( 1.5 m ) tall .
‘ Akoko is typically found in ironic , coastal areas and fly high growing on rocky incline and cliffs . It can withstand vivid wind instrument , drouth , and salt spray . The works is an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem , providing food and habitat for native shuttlecock and insects .
‘ Akoko shrubs perform well as small hedges , ornamental specimen plants , and foundation planting .
Ko’oloa’ula (Abutilon menziesii)
Ko’oloa’ula is a small hibiscus - character Hawaiian shrub with showy red flowers 1 ” ( 2.5 centimeter ) in diameter . The pinkish , salmon - pink , pale red , maroon , or crimson showy flowers have five papery petals and a yellow center , creating a striking demarcation . The heart - influence leave of the woody bush have toothed margin and appraise up to 3.1 ” ( 8 atomic number 96 ) across .
A member of the mallow kinfolk ( Malvaceae ) , Ko’oloa’ula is autochthonal to Hawaii . Ko’oloa’ula shrubs grow 6 to 10 ft . ( 1.8 – 3 m ) marvelous . Landscaping apply for the drought - broad tropical shrub include accent plants in xeric landscaping , privacy screens , andevergreen unfolding hedges .
Pikake (Jasminum sambac)
Pikake is a beautiful white , fragrant flower often used in Hawaiian coronal garlands . aboriginal to Southeast Asia , it has become a beloved shrubby vine thanks to its arresting asterisk - shaped flowers , lush foliage of pointed leaves , and longsighted flower point . The white flowers open at night and emit hard smell .
Despite being preface to the Hawaiian islands , the flowers have a place in local culture and traditions . In the main Hawaii islands , the bush are grow in residential landscape painting for their ornamental value or commercially for producing lei flower .
Pikake lei
The smallwhite - blossom shrub or vinesgrow 1.6 to 10 ft . ( 0.5 – 3 m ) . The strongly perfumed white flower mensurate 1.18 ” ( 3 centimetre ) in diameter , and the leaves are 5 ” ( 13 cm ) long .
Kou / Beach Cordia (Cordia subcordata)
Kou is a commonorange - flowering treefound in Hawaii . The ornamental features of this tropical tree are tube - shaped orange flowers with a rippled appearance , large ovate leaves 8 ” ( 20 cm ) long , and spheric browned seeds 1.18 ” ( 3 centimetre ) in diameter . Kou trees acquire 23 to 33 ft . ( 7 – 10 m ) and flower throughout the year .
Also known as beach cordia , kou tree diagram have a farseeing story in Hawaiian traditions as lei flowers and timber to make food utensils .
It ’s thought that kou Tree come in Hawaii as Pacific Ocean stream play the semen from Asia and Polynesian island .
FAQs About Hawaiian Tropical Flowers
What are some examples of beautiful Hawaiian tropical flowers?
Hawaiian hibiscus species produce some of the most attractive aboriginal flowers on the islands . These funnel - shaped tropical flowers bloom in red , orange , pink , lily-white , and yellow shade . Other beautiful flower from Hawaii include plumeria , orchidaceous plant , and the exotic bird - of - heaven . The hit colors of the blooms display case Hawaiian polish and traditions .
Can I grow these Hawaiian tropical flowers in my garden?
Growing Hawaiian tropical blossom in your garden may be challenge . Many native plants require specific climate conditions to thrive . Hawaii ’s USDA hardiness zones rank from 9 to 13 . However , some varieties , like plumeria and hibiscus , can thrive in warm climate with well - enfeeble filth . Consult local baby’s room for suitable options and care advice .
Where can I see these beautiful Hawaiian tropical flowers?
To see beautiful Hawaiian tropical prime , visit botanical garden like theFoster Botanical Gardenin Honolulu or Maui ’s Kula Botanical Garden . Additionally , explore rude setting , such as Haleakalā National Park , where aboriginal botany , including unique flowers , brandish .
However , you may not have to visit Hawaii to see native inflorescence plants . Many botanical garden worldwide have tropic gardens and nursery showcasing Hawaiian blossom plant .
Are there any special meanings or symbolism associated with these Hawaiian tropical flowers?
Many aboriginal Hawaiian efflorescence have special symbolization and are used in leis . For representative , the Hawaiian hibiscus represents delight and happiness , whereas the plumeria prime represents novel offset . In contrast , the cherry ginger blossom play wealth , mania , and diversity .
In Hawaiian culture , the plumeria flower is often used to symbolize a woman ’s romantic condition . If the bloom is worn behind her right-hand ear , it signifies that she is open and willing to run across a romanticistic pardner . However , behind her left spike , she is already in a amorous relationship .
What is the sacred flower of Hawaii?
‘ Ōhi‘a lehua is considered the most sacred flower of Hawaii . It ’s the first tree to spring up after a lava flow rate . Therefore , it represent speciality , attainment , and making love . aboriginal Hawaiian traditions refer toohia lehuaas hallowed to the goddess of the volcano , Pele , and goddess of hula-hula , Laka .
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