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.
This striking flower, with its long and dramatic stamen, comes in several colors. The flowers only last for one day, but there are usually plenty more waiting for their chance to take center stage.
For more information about this and other Hawaiian flowers, go to wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/.
These flowers, officially called Plumeria rubra, are used in leis here in Hawaii. The flowers appear before the leaves so that, for a while, the tree appears stark and yet also colorful.
For more information about this and other Hawaiian flowers, go to wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/.
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 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.
A Bougainvillea spectabilis putting on a show amongst some otherwise scrubby grass and shrubs. Not a native plant, but common in Hawaii. Pretty much anything grows in Hawaii, which is good on the one hand, but a nightmare when the plants involved are introduced and invasive.
For more information about Hawaiian flowers, go to wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers.
