native hawaiian plants — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Celebrating Native Hawaiian Plant Month

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Hawaiʻi is the most isolated landmass on the planet. Because of this, plants and animals that arrived here millions of years ago have made extraordinary evolutionary adaptations, resulting in unique native species found nowhere else in the world. One example is the relationship between Hawaiian lobelia plant species with native forest birds like the ʻiʻiwi. The plant and bird evolved together – the tubular shape of the plant’s flowers perfectly matches the curvature of the bird’s bill, providing food for the ʻiʻiwi and pollination for the lobelia. There are many examples of these specific connections in a native forest, all of which are important in sustaining a healthy watershed.

Hawaiʻi’s native plants play a significant role in Hawaiian culture. Native plants were, and still are, profoundly understood by kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) and used in everything from medicine, dyes, clothing, canoes, lei, weaponry, in religious ceremonies, as hula implements, honored as ʻaumākua (deified ancestors), and more. Many native plants are also considered kinolau, which translates to “many bodies,” and can refer to the physical manifestations that the over 400,000 Hawaiian deities assume in them.

An adult ʻiʻiwi feeds on a Lobelia grayana in Waikamoi Preserve. These native plants and birds evolved together, increasing the survival success of both species- the tubular shape of the plant’s flowers perfectly matches the curvature of the bird’s bill, providing food for the ʻiʻiwi and pollination for the lobelia. Photo by Forest and Kim Starr

Unfortunately, our native plants are in peril, primarily from invasive species and habitat loss. Hawaiʻi bears the designation as the endangered species capital of the world. Although we make up less than one percent of the continental U.S. landmass, we contain 44 percent of the nation’s endangered and threatened plant species. As of last year, 366 native plants have been listed as “endangered” or “threatened,” and an additional 48 species are being proposed as now endangered. Over 100 plant species are listed as extinct, many more are most likely gone.

Recognizing the importance and urgency to support the work being done to protect endangered and threatened native plants, Governor David Ige proclaimed in February 2020 that April is “Native Hawaiian Plant Month.”

This proclamation recognizes the need to draw attention to “the work that Native Hawaiians, scientists, conservation organizations, government officials and the public do every day to conserve, educate and celebrate these special plant species,” along with bringing awareness to Native Hawaiian Culture and the importance of Hawaiʻi’s unique environment.

Native Hawaiian Plant Month also includes ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Day on April 25. This proclamation was made to raise awareness of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), encourage the public to report potentially infected trees, and support the research, prevention methods, and seed banking efforts currently being conducted to protect this critical species. Although ROD is not present on Maui, the public is encouraged to report suspect trees (trees that quickly turn brown within a few days to weeks) to www.643pest.org.

With increased access to both common and rare Native Hawaiian plants through local botanical gardens, nurseries, and stores, many people are now making lei that may not have been woven for decades. Lipoa Kahaleuahi painstakingly gathered and sewed this lei Hōʻawa, remarking that the only other time she has seen this type of lei was from a photo in a museum. Photo by Mike Opgenorth.

There are many ways to celebrate Native Hawaiian Plant month – this month and all year round! Here is a list of three ways you can get involved and celebrate native plants on Maui:

1) Visit the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens: This botanical garden in the heart of Kahului is home to an impressive collection of native and Polynesian introduced plants. You can take a stroll through the gardens to learn about these plant species, attend an in-person or virtual workshop, volunteer with their weekly Weed & Pot club, and take home your very own native plant through their weekly giveaways and plant sales! Admission is free for residents with state I.D Find out more at www.mnbg.org and on their social media platforms at @mauinuibg.

2) Volunteer in native plant restoration efforts: Although many volunteer opportunities are on pause right now, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust still hosts weekly workdays at the Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetland Refuge to remove invasive plant species and replant native plant species to restore this coastal ecosystem. Workdays occur every Friday and follow strict physical distancing and safety protocols. Visit https://www.hilt.org/ to learn more and participate.

3) Plant native: The diversity of native Hawaiian plants can allow you to bring them home to plant in your yard or keep in a pot. Here are some places where you can purchase a native plant on Maui: Native Nursery, Hoʻolawa Farms, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on April 10, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Plants Out of Place-Native to Hawaii but Invasive Somewhere Else

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Lissa Strohecker Leave a Comment

The native Hawaiian ecosystem is often described as fragile and prone to invasion, so it may come as a surprise to find that some of our island species on the most unwanted list of invasives in other parts of the world.

Native to Hawaii, naupaka, or Scaevola taccada , invades a beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Naupaka chokes out plants native to Florida and may alter nesting habitat for sea turtles. Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr.

In Hawai‘i, beach naupaka decorates miles of coastline, but in Florida this attractive plant is listed as a state noxious weed. Known as Scaevola taccada to the scientific community, naupaka outcompetes the endangered Scaevola plumieri native to Florida. In the Caymen Islands in the Carribean, where naupaka is also invasive, there is some concern that sea turtles may not be able to access nesting sites with mounds of naupaka blanketing the coasts. Naupaka was introduced to Florida as a landscaping option.

Pōhinahina is another Hawaii coastal native that’s proven invasive elsewhere. Crews on the coast of North Carolina remove this dune-destroying shrub. Photo courtesy of beachvitex.org

In Hawai‘i, pōhinahina, Vitex rotundifolia, sometimes known as beach vitex, grows alongside naupaka but it’s wreaking havoc elsewhere. Pōhinahina is a sprawling coastal shrub with small purple flowers. Landscapers introduced pōhinahina to the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic States, where it now smothers coastlines, choking out native plants like the endangered sea beach amaranth. Pōhinahina is a noxious weed in North Carolina. Virginia has enacted a statewide quarantine in hopes of stopping its spread. Communities gather regularly to fight back this kudzu of the coastline.

This ‘a‘ali‘i grows on the slopes of Haleakalā, but it has also taken over rangeland in Kenya. Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr.

‘A‘ali‘i, or Dodonaea viscosa, is another hardy Hawaiian native that’s problematic elsewhere. This drought tolerant plant grows in central Maui and up the slopes of Haleakalā. It’s a tough shrub with distinctive winged seedpods, and, as it turns out, doesn’t taste so great–at least to the cattle of Kenya and Uganda, where ‘a‘ali‘i takes over rangeland.
Like many of Hawai‘i‘s native plants, these species are indigenous to Hawai‘i, meaning that they are native to Hawai‘i as well as other places. Naupaka is native throughout the Pacific and India, growing on coastlines from Okinawa to Oman and from Micronesia to Madagascar. Pōhinahina’s native range stretches across the Pacific Rim and into Southern Asia. And ‘a‘ali‘i is a cosmopolitan species found from Florida to the Sonoran deserts into Mexico and across the Pacific to New Zealand and Australia.
These three plants have developed ways to spread their keiki far and wide: plentiful seeds that float and survive a long bath in salt water. ‘A‘ali‘i seeds spread inland by catching the wind and by sticking to the feathers of birds. These strategies help explain why these plants are native to such a huge area, and how they were able to reach Hawai‘i. But when these plants are released from the checks and balances found in their native habitat–competition with other species, predation by insects, even climate and geography–there’s a possibility of a problem.
An invasive plant is not inherently bad; it has developed strategies necessary for its survival. In Hawai‘i these three plants play an important role–protecting beaches from erosion and providing habitat for native animals. However, what constitutes a means to survive in one place can translate into an invasive characteristic elsewhere. It’s just a matter of the right plant in the right place.

By Lissa Fox Strohecker. Originally published in the Maui News, November 11th, 2012 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.
You can find all the articles in the Kia‘i Moku series http://www.hear.org/misc/mauinews/

Make National Invasive Species Week Last All Year

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Lissa Strohecker Leave a Comment

National Invasive Species Week is February 26 to March 3 of 2012. While it’s great to pay attention for the week, here are a few simple actions, one for each month, to help make a difference on the invasive species front:

*Note: This list was originally published in the January 8th edition of the Maui News.

Start by removing invasive species in your own back yard, like this ornamental pampas grass.

January—check backyard first. Take a look in your own yard to see what invasive species you might be harboring– then remove ‘em! Backyards are often the source for plants and animals that escape to wreak havoc in our environment. If the plant or animal is a target for the Maui Invasive Species Committee, such as pampas grass or coqui frogs, call us and we’ll give you a hand.

February—be pest-savvy. The last week of February is National Invasive Species Awareness week. Take part by learning about a new invasive plant or animal and how to control or report it. Start at mauiisc.org, mauiinvasive.org, reportapest.org, or check for monthly editions of this column, then share what you know.

March—buy local—Maui local. Many pests are limited to just one island, but they spread when potted plants, cut flowers, equipment, even produce is moved between islands. Support Maui’s economy and protect our island by bringing home locally grown products. Avoid ordering seeds on the Internet as some plants may be invasive in Hawaii.

Clean your gear-boots, fins, packs, and cars-regularly to prevent the spread of hithchiking invasive species.

April—clean your gear. Headed out diving, snorkeling or hiking? Give your gear a thorough rinse or scrub to remove any hitchhiking seeds (check the tongue of your boots), algae, or insect eggs before you head out. And don’t neglect to check your car periodically, both the underside as well as the inside.

May—volunteer. You will meet interesting people and learn more about Maui. Many groups have weekend volunteer trips where you can lend a hand removing invasive species or planting native species. Find an organization at hear.org/volunteer/maui/

June—survey your yard for the little fire ant. This tiny ant often arrives unnoticed, but it can become a huge problem. Currently no known infestations exist on Maui, but there is a high likelihood they will arrive again. Surveying is as easy as peanut butter and a chopstick. Learn more at lfa-hawaii.org

July—travel smart. Check twice before you bring something interisland. Plants and plant cuttings must be inspected by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture before being taken interisland to ensure there are no unwanted pests or diseases riding along.

August—take a hike, but with new eyes. Public reports are one of the best ways we learn about new invasive species. So cruise around the neighborhood, or go for a walk in the forest. See a bird you’ve never seen before or a new plant that looks like it’s taking over? Take a photo and let someone know.

September—be neighborly. Some invasive species problems are too big to tackle alone, but left unchecked will become everyone’s problem. Offer to help out your neighbors with an invasive species in their yard.

Landscaping with native species, like this ālula, will also help save water. Photo by Forest and Kim Starr.

October—go native in your yard. Hawaiian plants have never been more available for landscaping. In addition to being a unique addition to your landscape, these species won’t be invasive and offer habitat for native animals. Another plus – these plants evolved to survive on rainfall, so when selected to match your climate, they can help you save water.

November—eat an invasive. The season of eating offers plenty of edible invasive species, from axis deer to pigs to. Make a meal, or part of a meal, in the spirit of removing invasive species. For more information (and recipes) check out invasivore.org.

December—celebrate in holiday style with an invasive pine tree. Each year Friends of Haleakala National Park and The Nature Conservancy lead December trips to remove invasive pines from areas in and near Haleakala National Park. Find details for the Friends trip at fhnp.org and for the TNC trip by calling 572-7849. Other trips may be listed in the newspaper.

This year make a resolution to help address invasive species— just one simple activity a month can add up to make a big difference in our community.

Article by Lissa Fox Strohecker

Originally published in the Maui News, January 8th, 2012 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column.
You can find all the articles in the Kia‘i Moku series http://www.hear.org/misc/mauinews/

Celebrating Native Hawaiian Plant Month

Plants Out of Place-Native to Hawaii but Invasive Somewhere Else

Make National Invasive Species Week Last All Year

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