Category Archives: Flowers

Oncidium orchid

An oncidium orchid at Hawaii Tropical Botanical GardenAn oncidium orchid at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
I’m pretty sure this is an oncidium orchid, though I’m not sure which one. There are 400 or so to choose from and I haven’t yet been able to identify it positively. I love seeing the different orchids, but haven’t started down the slippery slope of trying to grow them – yet!

This one was at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden north of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island. For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.

Māmane

The flowers of the mamane tree in Hawaii.Mamane trees on the slopes of Mauna Kea.
Māmane (Sophora chrysophylla) is an endemic Hawaiian tree which grows in the dry forest on the sides of Mauna Kea. These māmane are in the recently-opened Palila Forest Discovery Trail at an elevation of around 7,000 feet.

Māmane is an important plant for several endemic Hawaiian birds including the endangered palila, which is found only in this area. Palila depend on māmane trees for 90% of their food, the most important item being immature māmane seeds. These seeds are poisonous to other wildlife, but not palila.

Palila Forest Discovery Trail is part of an ongoing effort to reestablish the high-elevation dry forest on Mauna Kea, which has been greatly impacted by non-native goats, sheep, and cattle.

For more information about Palila Forest Discovery Trail, go to dlnr.hawaii.gov/restoremaunakea/palila-forest-discovery-trail/.

Bee on ulei

A bee on ulei (Osteomeles anthylidifolia) which is indigenous to Hawaii.
Ulei (Osteomeles anthylidifolia) has lovely, fragrant flowers. It’s indigenous to Hawaii and is a member of the rose family. Speaking of which, correct pronunciation is important (oolayee). Otherwise, it will likely sound like the aforementioned part of the male anatomy!