Ohia Tree

[Carey]

Dave, Up in Hawaiian Acres, the Metrosideros polymorpha (the ohia species most common on Hawaii) has a red 'shaving brush' flower, they lack petals, just have stamen & pestals making it easy for wind or bird pollination. Your 'ohi'a trees may have orange or yellow flowers ('ohi'a-lehua mamo). The species name for the red blossomed 'ohi'a-lehua tree is based on the fact that the one species can have many forms - some staying bush like, others tall trees. Some 'ohi'a-lehua have very small silver grey round leaves, other trees may have oval, small- medium sized leaves that are glossier & greener, some even have burgandy highlights. The fruits are large pea sized with a bunch of thin small yellow seeds (for excellant wind dispersal) You may be able to find a few of the different forms on your lot. Traditionally the 'ohi'a-lehua blossoms were used in lei, with the yellow & orange highly prized. The nectar honeycreepers favor the ohia, and some of the endagered birds are found up in the 'ohi'a-lehua forests up Hwy 11, (esp. since there is some evidence that they are getting immunity to avian malaria. Good luck on your wonder filled adventure!
Aloha, Carey