all the plants below can grow in Orchidland and many I have growing here in Hawaiian Acres
In Orchidland you probably have only one native Tree/Shrub (besides some ferns and sedges)... the Ohi'a
Many native plants are hard to propagate and grow slowly, thats one of the main reason they are going extinct as they cant fight with the invasive plants... 93% of the native plants are ONLY found here (endemic) by far the highest % in the World!
Some are fairly easy to grow if you take good care. In Hawaiian Acres here I have dozens of different endemic species Ive grown from seeds I collect on hikes (many are still very young though as Ive only had this property for 5 years)
Also please consider the many canoe plants (plants brought here by humans before the haoles got here)
1st step IMO is to READ.... get the books at the library, all of them and read about them, you may get hooked on the endemic plants as they are very very interesting.....
Below is a list of some of the best (not including the extremely rare one that you never see) ... if a plant is list as an Endangered Species it doesnt always mean it close to extinction, it means its almost extinct in the wild... there are even some plants lists as Extinct that still survive in yards and botanical gardens etc.
IMO My list is aimed for Orchidland area (lower Puna along coast will have some different dryer/hotter types and cant grow the wet types as easily if at all)
***Trees***
Ohi'a Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
the most common native tree in Hawaii and Im sure you have some already
try for yellow if you dont want the common red ones, buy one, or there are many yellows along the Stainback Hwy between the Zoo and N.Kulani Rd (usually in bloom in Oct/Nov)
can work from cutting is kept moist, but not real easy
Neneleau (aka 'Hawaiian Sumac') (Rhus sandwicensis) Mango family
easy fast grower, found in Hilo at lower end of Saddle Rd. and Hamakua, and the road down to Waipio, and also some along Stainback Hwy (where I get mine)
Hao (Rauvolfia sandwicensis) Plumeria family
not easy but can be grown.
'Ohe'Ohe (Tetraplasandra hawaiensis) Ginseng family
grows very large, found sometimes off Stainback Hwy
Loulu (Pritchardia ssp) ONLY native Palm Tree in Hawaii
23 different species in Hawaii with none overlaping, not east to ID exact one, 4 are on the Big Island, there is one endemic ONLY to Stainback Hwy/Kulani area (Pritchardia beccariana) above 3,000' elev. and can be seen from road (fan palm)... not easy to find seeds though, best to buy one. Or just collect seed from any Loulu you see (they are all over island in yards/parking lots etc.)
Olomea (Perrtottetia sandwicensis)
said to be in upper parts of Stainback Hwy, but I havent seen any (havent really looked for it yet either)
Lama (Diospyros sandwicensis) Persimmon family
found in lower Puna off red road
Koa (Acacia koa) Pea family
large tree, and CAN be grown down lower than 3,000' unlike what some people say, Ive seen it as low as 300' elevation in yards. Most common in the 3,000-8,000' levels of Mauna Loa, and its best to also collect dirt next to the plant to use when replanting or growing from seed. Young plants have feathery real leaves, the mature plants have flattened stems and not real leaves. Some medium small plants have both.
Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) Pea family
attractive bright yellow pea-like flowers, seen in upper parts of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and HVNP but also some plants much lower.
Koki'o ke'oke'o (Hibiscus arnottianus arnottianus) (Oahu White hibiscus, white w/red staminal column) endangered species
like a few of the endemic Hibiscus can get tree like up to 25-30' tall, one of only 2 dif Hibiscus in World with a scent, seen at Kalopa State Park up Hamakua way
Koki'o ke'oke'o (Hibiscus arnottianus immaculatus) (Molokai White hibiscus, 99% pure white) critically endangered species
like a few of the endemic Hibiscus can get tree like up to 25-30' tall, seen at Kalopa State Park up Hamakua way
(my fav Hawaiian hibiscus)
Koki'o ke'oke'o (Hibiscus waimeae waimeae) (Kauai White hibiscus, white w/red staminal column)
the most common of the endemic whites, seen around the Hilo Airport sign, the Pahoa PD, the Hilo Courthouse, also seen at Kalopa State Park up Hamakua way, etc. etc.
the other scented hibiscus in the World (1 of only 2) and is MORE scented than the H.a.a above
easy from cuttings
Hibiscus Clayi (no Hawaiian name) (Hibiscus Clayi) small red flowers from Kauai, Endangered Species, smaller than other types at 10' tall max
seen around drive thru at Burger King in Pahoa, around the Hilo Courthouse and DMV parking lot, and at Walmart Home Depot etc.
easy from seeds and cuttings
Ma'o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei brackenridgei) State Flower, Endangers Species, yellow flowers with un-hibiscus looking grape-like leaves
seen at Lava Tree Park, the Zoo, and many other places ie seen at Kalopa State Park up Hamakua way.
very easy from seeds and cuttings
Hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus) yellow flowers large heart shaped leaves
extremely common coastal plant, the 2nd most common coastal plant we have, all along the shore of Hawaiian Beaches/WaaWaa area, and above Hilo on coast etc. etc. there is also a variegated form that you will see in many yards or at Home Depot and Walmart sometimes... can get rather large and sprawling especially if grown along the shore.
seedlings are often below the mother plants, and are best.
Koki'o (Hibiscus kokio kokio) red flower, tall and straight tree
seen at Kalopa State Park up Hamakua way
Koki'o (Hibiscus kokio saintjohnianus) from Kauai
orange, yellowish, or red flower subspecies of the more common Kokio above.
seen at Kalopa State Park up Hamakua way
(the orange one is one of my fav)
Naio (aka "bastard sandalwood') (Myoporum sandwicensis) grows from sealevel to 10,000' (largest range of any Hawaiian plant), some plants in South Point area are low growing almost like ground cover, but it can become an extremely fat trunked tree over 50' tall in upper areas of Mauna Loa and Saddle Rd area, in early to mid 19th century was sent to China when the real Sandalwood was getting very rare, but was often rejected, has a similar scent.
grow from seeds.
Kolea lau li'i (aka 'small leaf Kolea') (Myrsine sandwicensis)
very attractive smaller tree or large shrub with pinkish new growth on leaves that are only about 1" long or smaller, fairly common in upper wet Stainback Hwy area and in HVNP in wet areas
Kolea lau nui (aka 'large leaf Kolea') (Myrsine lessertiana)
very attractive taller straight tree often with neon pinkish new growth, fairly common in upper wet Stainback Hwy area and in HVNP in wet areas and in Kipuka Puaulu (aka Bird Park), and also very obvious in Kalopa State Park (very attractive pink new growth).
grow from seed.
Olopua (aka "Hawaiian Olive') (Nestegis sandwicensis) Olive family
very common in Kipuka Puaulu (aka Bird Park)
tree size, with large green leaves and olive like fruit (not eatable)
Hala Tree (aka 'screw pine' or 'pineapple tree')(Pandanas tectorius)
once thought to be a canoe plant but now known to be indigenous to Hawaii.. Very common along the coast especially in the Kalani/Kehena to Pohoiki area and Waa Waa area. young plants look like big 'weeds' with thorns along edges, and even larger younger plants (spiral looking) dont look the same as old trees as it takes many years for them to get off the ground.
seedlings below the trees is best.
Ho'awa (Pittosporum hosmeri)
attractive trees that were the main food for the Hawaiian Crow (now extinct in wild)... The Hosmeri type is the most commonly seen for sale or in yards, but there is also a Pittosporum terminalioides type that is in Kau and the drier areas of HVNP (I have a few of this type and they are doing very well, grown from seed)
Kopiko (Psychotria hawaiiensis) Coffee/Gardenia family
endemic to Puna, fairly common in spots in the very top of Ainaloa Estates and moreso at end of Rd 8 area of Hawaiian Acres, and also in the wet forest of Stainback Hwy below N/Kulani Rd. Green 4"-6" leaves with light color midrib, leaves mostly on ends of branches, usually 15'-25' tall and an understory plant below bigger Ohi'a, orange coffee like fruit, seeds are easy.
'Iliahi (aka 'Hawaii Sandalwood') (Santalum paniculatum)
common is some areas along the hwy just past the entrance to HVNP, and also in HVNP on the road to the campgrounds and along Chain of Crater Rd nearby. Can be grown from seed but you need to also grow an Ohi'a or another type of native plant with it because it is hemi-parasitic and needs to tap host plants roots for nitrogen. King Kamehameha I basically killed many thousand of his people in early 19th Century because he was so driven by $$/greed that he forced his people by the thousands to climb in the hills of the islands and cut these trees to bring back to shore, load up on ships and send to China, all for trinkets and materialistic crap... his people often were beaten or staved to death because they couldnt take care of their food crops.. they also started fires to find out where the trees were (sandalwood smell)... later generations of people often secretly killed the young trees so their kids wouldnt have to do this slave labor BS.
Manele (Sapindus saponaria) Soapberry family
larger tree, and strangely only found naturally (indigenous) in Hawaii on the Big Island (not on the other islands), but also found in Mexico and So.America, Africa, New Caledonia and some other Pacific Islands. Seen off of Stainback Hwy above N.Kulani Rd
grow from seeds
Mamaki (aka 'Hawaiian Nettle') (Pipturus albidus)
attractive plant that is the main food for the endemic Kamehameha Butterfly. They can be found with all green leaves or with gray green leaves with red veins (very attractive), used for a lower grade Kapa cloth and cordage. Fruit are white and similar to strawberries with the seeds on the outside (but its unrelated), grows in wet to dry areas. There is a few of them growing between Kehena and Seaview on the ocean side of Rd (red vein form) and many in Kipuka Puaulu (aka Bird Park), and other areas of mostly native plants.
very easy to grow from the tiny seeds.
Kou (Cordia subcordata)
a smaller tree, once thought to be a canoe plant but now known to be 100% indigenous (ancient pollen sample prove so). Very attractive tree that was the favorite shade tree around ancient Hawaiian homes/villages, attractive orange flowers. Often seen in parking lots, etc on the Kona side (ie near Target), and you can get the dry seed pods out of the small trees, or often even find seedlings below the trees.
usually grows in drier areas best but it does grow here if in good sun and w/good drainage.
(one of my fav)
***Shrubs***
Maile (Alyxia oliviformis) vine like plumeria relative, #1 Lei plant of ancient Hawaii
most commonly found at Kipuka Puaulu (aka Bird Park) but thats a National Park so..., also sometimes seen off Stainback Hwy upper wetter area.
Koko'olau (aka 'Hawaiian Marigold') (Bidens Hawaiensis)
very easy from cutting or seeds, great for tea, found on trail down to Secret beach (between Kehena and Seaview) and also found in HVNP near the campgrounds... its ONLY native to Puna and Kau districts
(one of my all time fav plants)
Pukiawe (Styphelia tameiameiae)
very common very very small leaf with white to dar red berries that get faded by the sun. in HVNP and along Puna coast and on Mauna Loa etc.
'Ohelo (aka 'Hawaiian Blueberry') (Vaccinium reticlatum) Blueberry/Huckleberry family
common in HVNP and Kau and on Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea
not real easy to grow from seed though... fruit is yellow, salmon, pink, red, dark purple or any combo and even swirled
(another fav of mine)
'Ohelo kau la'au (aka "tree Hawaii blueberry') (Vaccinium calycinum)
larger type of plant than above, almost tree size, very common on upper Stainback Hwy and in HVNP and around it.
Easier than the bush kine above to grown from seed but fruit is not as good as the bush kine above, fruit is always red
Naupaka Kai (Scaevola sericea)
very very common coastal plant with the light green leaves and the 'half flowers', easily the most common coast native species., seen hanging down cliff at Keneha and all over every coast on every island..
Kilauea Naupaka (Scaevola kilaueae)
also has 'half flowers', ONLY found around Kilauea, mainly in campground area (off Chain of Crater Rd)
Mountain Naupaka (Scaevola chamissoniana)
also has 'half flowers', found above 3,000' in wet forests of Puna and HVNP area (common along Hwy at MM23+)
Ma'ohiohi (aka 'Hawaiian Mint') (Stenogyne ssp)
a red flower type is seen commonly in the upper wet areas of Stainback Hwy. there are many other types as well.
'Uki'Uki (Dianella sandwicensis) Lily family
attractive lily like grass-like plant found in dry and wet areas (drier areas like HVNP near Kilauea and in Kau have light blue berries, cultivated plants have purple berries
Ko'oloa 'ula (Abutilon Menziesii) Hibiscus family, Endangered Species
very attractive hibiscut relative with small hanging hibiscus like flowers (most are pinkish but can be red or yellow too). Plants found in cultivation are usually from Lanai (pinkish), but there are some older plants still left from the Puako area (mine havent bloomed yet so dont know the color)
some times seen at Home Depot, needs to grow in straight cinder
easy from seed if you dont over water, and put needs to be in full sun
(another fav)
Ma'o (aka 'Hawaiian Cotton') (Gossypium tomentosum) Hibiscus family
Said to not be found on the Big Island naturally (found on all other islands though) But I have found a few in very dry areas along the Puukohula Heiau area.
fairly easy from seed but dont over water and grow only in straight cinder and full sun. Very attractive hibiscus like yellow flowers and gray-green leaves
'Ilima (Sida fallax) Hibiscus family ground cover, 2nd most famous ancient Hawaiian lei plant (thousand flowers for one lei), always blooming w/yellow flowers
very common along the Punalu'u/Kau area and other drier coastal areas (not Puna though), must be grown in straight cinder and in full sun. Can grow from cuttings, but not super easy.
Popolo Ku Mai (Phytolacca sandwicensis) Pokeweed family
very attractive bright red stemmed perennial herb with dark purplish berries. Only place Ive seen it growing is up Saddle Rd. at Puu Huluhulu at the 4 way junction on Saddle Rd at the Mauna Kea Rd and the Rd up to Mauna Loa where it grows like a weed.
'Ala'ala wai nui(Peperomia ssp) Black Pepper/Kava family
many different types, the most attractive has red stripes on lower leaf surface and found on mossy logs in the wet forest of Stainback Hwy, but it is also very common in Kipuka Puaulu (aka Bird Park) but this type has a white bottom and is a different species (there are 25 dif species in Hawaii)
'Ulei (aka 'Hawaiian Rose') Rose/Raspberry family
Common attractive plant along lower Puna coast and also seen farther up Mauna Loa, easy to grow from the seeds in the white rosehip-like fruit. Attractive foliage. Can become a small tree but often a taller ground cover along coast.
Pilo (Coprosma ssp) Coffee/Gardenia family
many types on this island, very common in Kipuka Puaulu (aka Bird Park), and in much of HVNP and around it, and also along Stainback Hwy. One of the more common native trees, many types.
Very easy to grow from seeds, attractive orange to red fruits
Nanu (aka 'Hawaiian Gardenia') (Gardenia brighamii or Gardenia remyi) Coffee/Gardenia family
both of these are found for sale some times, the brighamii is a shrub with smaller leaves and an Endangered Species from Kona side. The remyi is a very rare tree size plant from hills behind Hilo/Stainback Hwy.. but Ive never seen a wild plant ever of either.
they are seen at Home Depot sometimes.
'A'ali'i (Dodonaea viscosa)
very common shrub to small tree in the drier areas of HVNP and surrounding area on up Mauna Loa. Attract 3 sided seed pods were used for lei making and come in many colors from green, yellow, brown, pink, red, wine etc.
grow from seeds
'Akia (Wikstroemia ssp)
many types are here (4 on Big Island), from ground cover to small trees, all are very attractive and easy to grow. The lowest growing ground cover type is from Maui (W. uva-ursi) and often seen planted in center dividers and parking lots on the Kona side (gray-green leaves with red berries, (Target parking lot edge and the road going in), We have a larger leaf type of 'Akia along Puna Coast between Kalapana and Kehena (fairly common), and there is a smaller leaf upright sprawling type that is seen in upper Puna (I have 1 wild tree on my property in Hawaiian Acres).
easily grown from seed, one of the easiest of all native plants, but sort of slow growing at first.
(one of my fav)
Olona (Touchardia latifolia)
an endemic plant that was used to make the strongest natural cordage in the World, up to 8 times stronger than hemp rope of the same thickness. Used by ancient Hawaiians for fishing line that could catch tuna etc. and for their best nets. It didnt kink or degrade in salt water. It was highly sought after by the first haoles for use on ships for rigging and harpoon lines, and also later for mountain climbing. If you ever have a chance to handle the cordage you will see that it is extremely strong stuff!!! Only place Ive seen it growing wild is at Bird Park. Its more common on Maui and Molokai. Its a nettle relative and can be found with all green leaves or with leaves with red veins (more attractive).
fruit is like the related Mamaki (pinkish/orangish/red w/seeds on the outside)
***Canoe Plants***
(not all of them in this list, but the best for growing and looks IMO)
'Awa (aka Kava, Kava Kava)(Piper methysticum) Black Pepper family
used in making the 'alcohol of the Pacific' (mo betta than alcohol IMO)
Ohi'a 'ai (aka 'Mountain Apple' or 'Malay Apple')(Syzygium malaccense) Guava/Ohi'a family
wild plants with seedlings below them can be found along Gov Rd near Waa Waa, and along wet areas of Hamakua Coast (ie Kolekole Beach Park area of the old hwy)
Milo (Thespesia populnea) Hibiscus family
canoe plant with shiny heart shaped leaves and yellow flowers that change color to reddish when dieing (similar to Hau) that was also used as a shade tree along coast and also a high grade wood for eating bowls (better than Koa), etc., very common in some areas along shore between Pohoiki and Kehena (some trees right behind Kehena drum circle to the left a bit), and also in the low spot of shore road just past Pohoiki towards the hot pond (where it always floods and they killed all the mangrove trees (thousands of baby Milo grow right up to road), also seen right at the hotpond on the other side of pond from lifeguard tower. I have trouble growing Milo at my place because its too wet or too high, but Ive seen it in lower areas...
grow from collected seedlings is best.
Kamani (Calophyllum inophyllum or Alexandrian laurel)
large sprawling tree with attractive smooth leather like leaves. Its said that the most largest groves of Kamani in the whole state is right at Kulani Retreat and at Pohoiki and along the road there, its the massive fat trunked tree that is often low growing and very wide... you can always find seedling below these trees (large seeds) and they are best to use for growing trees... also found at the Hotpond between the grass and pond. Used by Hawaiians for carving and also to make an oil they used in hair and skin etc.
Kukui (aka 'candle nut')(Aleurites moluccana)
canoe plant that used to be the state tree (might still be?), seeds are those large black polished seeds used for the common lei seen for sale in Walmart etc., seeds were used for candles, and the oil was used for many things. attractive very light gray-green leaves that make it very easy to ID this tree even from miles away. seedlings are common below the trees, most Kukui grow along the coastal area or in ravines next to rivers.
best to grow from seedlings dug up below the trees.
'Awapuhi Kuahiwi (aka 'shampoo ginger') (Zingiber zerumbet)
found along Gov Rd between Cinderland and Waa Waa, and also many spots up in wet areas of Hamakua, smaller ginger type plant with the flower growing from the ground into a torch ginger like bloom only about 1'-2' high with leafy growth a bit taller (often seen green torch with small white flowers but the torch turn red when older too. squeez into hair and let dry. the stuff used in Paul Mitchells shampoo
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Coffee/Gardenia family
vomit fruit
, attractive shinny leaves and smelly fruit, grows common along Puna coast. Doesnt grow well in very wet or higher areas.
dig the seedlings up is best.
'Olena (aka'turmeric') (Curcuma domestica)
the sourse of many yellow food colorings in mustard cheese etc. and also a key ingredient in Indian curry food etc.
looks similar to a ginger.
not easily found in wild, must buy.
Wauke (aka 'paper mulberry') (Broussonetia papyrifera)
the plant used to make the highest grade kapa/tapa cloth in all the Pacific
not easily found in the wild, must buy if you can find it...
Pia ('arrowroot') (Tacca leontopetaloides)
starchy food, only place Ive ever seen in wild in in Waa Waa on private property. Used in ancient times for Haupia
'Ulu (aka 'breadfruit') (Artocarpus altilis, Artocarpus incisus, or Artocarpus communis)
a plant that is so messed up it can no longer produce viable seeds because its been propagated so long. Every single 'Ulu you see was planted in its spot or may be a root sucker from an older tree no longer there. best and only way to propagate is by airlayer or digging up a root sucker.
'Ape (aka 'elephant ear' or 'giant taro') (Alocasia macrorrhiza or Xanthosoma robustum)
Giant leaf taro looking plant that is not really eatable unless you soak/cook in water a ton to get the stinging crystals of calcium oxalate. Very common.
Kalo (aka 'Taro') (Colocasia esculenta, etc.)
many types, all easy to grow.
aloha
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save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha
