Category Archives: Flowers

Tree heliotrope and potter wasps

Potter Wasp Eumenes BolliiTree Heliotrope

 

On one of my coast walks I was surprised to find a tree that I visit regularly, abuzz with wasps and other insects. The tree is a Tree heliotrope (Heliotropium foertherianum) which, as the photos suggest, is hardy and salt tolerant. This was the first time I’d seen it with striking tentacles of flowers and berries, hence it’s other common name of Octopus bush.

The majority of the wasps attracted to the tree were potter wasps, specifically Eumenes bollii I think. They were focused on their task for which I was grateful, since I was shoving my camera quite close to them on occasion.

Potter Wasp on Tree Heliotrope

Indonesian Wax Ginger

Indonesian Wax Ginger
The flower of this ginger is actually yellow. The conspicuous red parts here are the bracts, which are modified or specialized leaves. This one was at the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden on the Hilo side of the island. Well worth a visit.

For more information about Hawaiian flowers, go to wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/. For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.

Beach Naupaka

1-2-16-Beach-Naupaka-HW

1-2-16-Beach-Naupaka-VW

 

This native plant (scientific name Scaevola sericea) has curious half flowers, with five downward-facing petals. And it’s popular with ants, at least by my observation.

It does well along the coast because it’s salt tolerant and is often planted for erosion control and reclamation projects.

For more information about this and other Hawaiian flowers, go to wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/.

 

Gold dust day gecko on a pink banana

Gold dust day gecko on a pink banana

Gold dust day geckos are not endemic to Hawaii. A native of Madagascar, Hawaii’s population stems from the release of 8 geckos by a student on the University of Hawaii campus in 1974. It’s not known if beer was involved.

While this makes the gold dust day gecko something of an invasive species, it’s hard to feel bitter about such an endearing little creature. With their striking coloration, they can be seen sticking to any surface or zipping about whether they’re right side up or upside down. They’re not bothered by close examination, usually just staring back with a goofy expression. Turn away though, and they can be gone in an instant.

This gecko was engrossed by the potential of this pink banana. Not sure if it was looking for water, nectar, or the possibility of insects within.

For more information about this and other geckos, go to geckoweb.org.