07-14-2011, 03:48 PM
quote:
Originally posted by csgray
One of the favorite plants of the dreaded little fire ant (which has a good foothold in HPP) is palms, especially coconut, royal palms, and those volunteer palms that sprout up in the jungle, but also arecas...
Before planting, I highly recommend going to older neighborhoods and look at mature landscapes, also make sure you don't block off trade wind flow through your property. If you drive through some older parts of Hilo like Waiakea you can see areca hedges over 40 feet tall. The Arboretum in Hilo is free, and an excellent place to see trees in their mature state. If you have Hawaii state ID you can fill one grocery bag per person with fruit too.
In reading through these forums for the last month or so I have become very familiar with the little fire ant (LFA). I sure hope to avoid them. Your advice about the LFA as pertains to palms is well taken. I will certainly do my best to verify that the vendor of the plants is reputable and familiar with the LFA issue before buying from them.
Friends of mine within HPP have also warned me against picking up free plants (esp. palms) along side of the road, or buying from less that reputable sources, as this greatly increases your odds of bringing LFA to your property within those plants.
I was not aware there was an arboretum in Hilo. I'll be on big island within the next week or two, I'll definitely make a visit.
Great advice Carol, thank you!