My final post for Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees’ (more responses here) features the flowers and fruit of the cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis). These grow out of the trunk of the tree and make for a rather splendid view when looking up. Best to do this from not too close to the trunk!
The flowers of a plumeria tree front a well-laden coconut palm.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Geometric–explore various angles.’ I’ve focused more on the ‘various angles’ than the geometric.
Ohia trees (Metrosideros polymorpha) are endemic to Hawaii and the flower of these trees is the official flower of the Big Island. Depending on growing conditions, ohias can vary from ground hugging shrubs to 50 foot trees. They grow at sea level and at elevations up to 8,000 feet. They’re probably most noted for two things. One is their brilliant display of flowers. The other is that they’re usually the first plants to recolonize lava flows.
They grow in lava is because their roots reach down into lava tubes and tap into the moisture available there. But ohia can also put out aerial roots to gather moisture. They’re very flexible in this way.
The puffball flowers are actually clusters of flowers. Each flower is made up of a bunch of stamens (the male part of the flower) and a single pistil (the female part) which is thicker and longer than the stamens. When the flowers have been pollinated, the stamens fall away until only the pistil remains. This too will disappear as the calyx, where the seeds are found, develops. Eventually, the calyx will dry out and release the tiny mature seeds, to be dispersed by the winds, and hopefully grow into new ohia trees.
Also posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Pu’uanahulu is a small community not far from Pu’u Wa’awa’a, where I like to hike. This small Baptist church sits at one end of the community and is backed by trees including the jacaranda that was in bloom when I took this photo.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
This balanced rock has been decorated with leis, as has the neighboring tree heliotrope.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Kahili ginger flowers are invasive, but add a splash of color to the predominant greenery of Kalōpā Forest Reserve.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
This tree was labeled Powder Puff Tree, Brownea Sp. at Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. I suspect the Powder Puff name is given to a variety of plants with flowers like this one, so I’m not sure if this is really the correct name.
I do know a couple of things about this tree. The flowers were a brilliant orange and very popular with the gold dust day geckos. They grow directly out of the trunk of the tree, starting as a pinkish bud and eventually dying out to a withered, brown remnant.
For more information about Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, go to htbg.com.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
A bee forages on the bright yellow flowers of a mamane tree.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Graham's Island 