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The latin name is Metrosideros excelsa, and it's closely related to the Ohia. They are substantially shorter, but have fuller crowns, more dense, and produce more flowers. I think they'd look good in the yard mixed in with Ohias, like a secondary canopy.
Anyone know of a place that sells these on the island? One of the other islands in the state? Thanks in advance!
Leilani Estates, 2011 to Present
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I would never recommend bringing in a foreign Metrosideros, even if you are absolutely positive it has no chance of a fungal rust (Puccinea)!
M. excelsa was on the HEAR (Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk) list, but that wonderful website is no longer funded...
http://www.hear.org/species/metrosideros_excelsa/
As a side note, New Zealand does a much better job of biosecurity for their M. excelsa, and here are a few papers that highlight their concern on importation of closely related species to their M. excelsa:
http://www.nzffa.org.nz/images/design/Br...e-rust.pdf
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/reg...ock-ra.pdf
The rust on rose apples here created a major freakout for many of the researchers that have spent huge portions of their life studying our endemic Metrosideros, the ohia...
It would be terrible to think that someone would bring in a closely related species in this day & age, but until we get to the point New Zealand is at, we run the risk of someone thinking "they'd look good mixed in" instead of "what would be the hazard of mixing these with ohias?"
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They are already here (I've seen pictures of them in Botanic Gardens on Oahu, Maui, etc.). So I'm looking for local nurseries that have them. Anyone know of a source? Thanks again.
Leilani Estates, 2011 to Present
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Reading Carey's info, perhaps that more controlled environment is best place for them.
David
Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com
Ninole Resident
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Aloha, OH yeah!!! Metrosideros excelsa has been in Hawai'i most likely as long as Ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha, tremuloides, mamo, rugosa, and others) and possibly longer. Plants of the genus Metrosideros THRIVE in Hawai'i and there are many more species of the genus that live here too ~ ~ ~ ALOHA ~
Punanny
Kaihekili
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Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean that you SHOULD.
Humans are responsible for moving non-native plants, animals, diseases, etc all over this planet and the effects of our thoughtlessness can be devastating.
Sure, maybe some other people have already imported a not native and potentially invasive species but that doesn't mean everyone has to follow their lead blindly.
The first resident of HPP apparently didn't think there were enough large canopy trees here so he got some volunteers from the jungle down by Lava Tree State Park and now we have a multi-million dollar problem.
I don't know what future harm you might be doing by planting a non native invasive species and I assume you don't either so please think before you plant.
New Zealand Christmas Tree:
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/metrosi...xcelsa.htm
Albizia:
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/falcata...uccana.htm
HPP Albizia eradfication plan:
http://www.hppoa.com/Albezia/Albezia%20Plan.pdf
edited to remove snarky language
Good Lord.
No offense, but after the coqi frogs, little fire ants, coffee beetles, etc. etc. you'd think people would not even consider importing plants from off-island. You can be sure that those pests came in on shipments with 'assurances' they were pest free. Maybe even cute 'pest free' stickers on them. Sure.
Hawaii has a robust and diverse local tropical plant marketplace. Farmer's markets are especially good places to look. At least any pests in them are pests that are already here and not new ones.
What does it take?
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May be a somewhat off topic question, but what kind of live "Christmas tree" do folks use in Puna? We have, in the past, bought trees with ball roots and replanted after Christmas. Would like to do the same in the future, but not sure what is available in the area and will do well in Puna District @ 1500 ft. elevation. Mahalo!
Best wishes
Best wishes
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We got a pretty Areca Vestiaria palm one year, it's doing well in the ground now.
Lots of people like Norfolk pines.
Currently, I use a fake tree. Ship it once, store it forever...
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