In the United States, the most well-known of these two is the ohi'a lehua (often simply "lehua" or "ohi'a"), a flowering tree native to Hawaii. The lehua, flower, of the ʻŌhiʻa lehua is the official flower of the island of Hawaiʻi. Ohia lehua blossoms appear as tufts with rich colors, such as crimson, salmon, garnet, or yellow, but even white blossoms exist. Ask the sales staff for assistance, and request that they help you find a soil that drains well. X Lehua was heartbroken,of course. The lovely Lehua flower is the fruit of the Ohia tree that grows in many forests of Hawaii. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. It said that when someone picks Lehua, still today, it rains because you have separated the lovers. With a creamy, spreadable texture like butter, Big Island Bees' organic, single-flower 'Ohi'a Lehua Honey is harvested from bees that pollinate Hawaii's rare lehua blossoms. (Also available as a PDF file at Free CTAHR Publications.) The 'Ōhi'a Legacy Initiative plants 'ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees in urban areas of Hawai'i to expand this vital natural and cultural resource. By using our site, you agree to our. Avoid locations with high altitudes. The flowers were used medicinally to treat pain experienced during childbirth. Adding to its beauty is its important place in the Hawaiian culture. Enraged, Pele transformed Ohia into an ugly tree on the mountain. Spots on stem; Stem Rot; Soursop; Persimmon. The flowers of the Ohia tree are typically bright red, and are large and tufted. % of people told us that this article helped them. A cutting will take time to begin establishing its own roots: at least a week or two. Or, we are happy to put you in touch with the photographer. Description: Of the five different species of ‘ohi’a recognized, this is the most variable. But, Ohia was already in love with another–the beautiful girl Lehua. The flowers of the Ohia tree are typically bright red, and are large and tufted. You should be able to purchase cinder blocks at a local hardware or landscaping store. Metrosideros is a genus of an estimated 60 trees, shrubs and vines in the Myrtle family. Research source As the story goes, Pele, the goddess of the volcano desired a handsome man named Ohia. Pele was furious when Ohia turned down her marriage proposal, so she turned Ohia into a twisted tree. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. The Latin name, Metrosideros polymorpha, reflects this adaptability of ohia, which belongs to the myrtle family. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Adorn yourself in Ohia Lehua. The fruit are waxy and thin-skinned, and grow all along the Ohia’s trunk and branches. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,155 times. These seeds grow in ¼-inch (0.65 cm) pods on the Ohia tree. 1998. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Technically “Ohia” refers to the tree itself, while “Lehua” refers to the flowers that the tree produces. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 ohia If you live in an area above 9,000 feet (2,743 m), consider finding a different species of tree to plant. This article has been viewed 14,155 times. These trees are known to attain great height, and can grow as tall as 40-60 feet (12-18 meters). These trees are known to attain great height, and can grow as tall as 40-60 feet (12-18 meters). But, Ohia was already … Saw an ohia tree at Stinso Beach, California. Ohia trees are not suited for high elevations, and will likely wilt and die if planted too high. [XVII] I walea ka manu i ka ‘ula o ka lehua. However, if the Ohia tree is in a planter, you can move the planter to keep the juvenile tree in partial sunlight. With age, the … The seeds are tough and can grow in practically any light conditions. If the outdoor temperatures dip below 50 or climb above 93, bring the plant indoors to more stable temperatures.