Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Tree-o
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Category Archives: Trees
Ohia
Ohia trees growing in lava 
Ohia trees growing in lava 
Ohia roots growing in a lava tube 
Aerial toots
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.
Buds form 
Stamens emerging 
An ohia flower
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.
The stamens fall off… 
… until only the pistils remain. 
The calyx dries out… 
… Ready to release seed 
Different stages of ohia flowers can be seen on a tree at the same time
Also posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Monarch butterflies mating
A pair of monarch butterflies mating on a kiawe tree.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Kohala Coast tree
A tangle of branches can be found on this scenic tree on the North Kohala coast.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Pu’uanahulu Baptist Church
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.
Sunny zebra doves
A pair of zebra doves enjoy the late afternoon sun as they rest on an exposed tree branch.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Tree bark
The ragged bark of a tree at Kalōpā State Recreation Area. I’m not sure what kind of tree this is, but the forest it stands in is on the wet side of the island at around 2,000 foot elevation.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Spencer Beach Park
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Spencer Beach Park, near Kawaihae. It’s a sheltered spot for getting in the water, it’s a great place to picnic, and the sandy beach is backed by shade trees. What’s not to like?
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
