Category Archives: Flowers

Mauna Loa silverswords bloom and die

A silversword blooms on Mauna Loa.

This is the time of year when silverswords bloom. These plants, members of the sunflower family, are endemic to Hawaii. There are slightly different silverswords growing on Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Haleakala on Maui. The plants are very susceptible to root disturbance and the activities of goats, pigs and humans has led to their decline. They’re making a comeback now thanks to fenced enclosures and careful management.

These photos were taken on Mauna Loa a few years back. The flower stalks were about 6 to 8 feet tall. The plants live for up to 30 years, but once they bloom, they die (like the one in the background of the top photo).

In the second photo, the ongoing eruption of Kilauea’s Pu’u O’o vent can be seen.

For more information about Mauna Loa silverswords, go to nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/endangered_ahinahina.htm.

A silversword blooming on Mauna Loa with Pu'u O'o vent erupting in the background.

Bird of paradise

A bird of paradise flower on the Big Island
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is one of the quintessential tropical plants with its exotic-looking, colorful flowers. While it’s common on the Big Island, it still hasn’t lost its wow factor for me.

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

Mangoes

A mango tree in bloom A mango tree bearing fruit
In February this mango tree was in full bloom (top). Those blooms have become the bevy of fruit below. When the wind blows the thud of falling mangoes is a constant sound. I tend to duck my head into my shoulders walking under the tree.

It’s a twice a day routine to pick up the fallen fruit, or the wild pigs will make short work of them.