‘Ōhi‘a (Metrosideros spp.)

Native Endemic Tree

Species Information: There are five endemic Metrosideros species: lehua ‘āhihi (Metrosideros tremuloides), lehua papa (Metrosideros rugosa), and three ‘ōhi‘a species (Metrosideros polymorpha, Metrosideros macropus, and Metrosideros waialeale).  Metrosideros polymorpha is the most common (80% of the native forest) and has the widest range throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

‘Ōhi‘a is a pioneer species that is one of the first plants to colonize lava flows and has many ecosystem functions such as watershed protection by retaining water and preventing erosion and flooding, facilitate soil development, provide habitat for seedling establishment, aquifer recharge, and provide food and shelter for native birds, bat, snails, and insects.

Distribution: Sea level to 8,000 feet elevation. Found on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i.

Habitat: Dry to mesic, wet forest. Rainfall less than 50 to greater than 100 inches.

Cultural Significance

• Mo‘olelo, mele, oli, and kinolau for several Hawaiian deities
• Wood: kapa prep board and beaters, poi boards, canoes, musical instruments, and weapons
• Leaves, flower, and liko for medicinal purposes
• Flowers, seed capsules, and liko used for lei and hula altar adornments

Threats: ROD (rapid ‘ōhi‘a death), guava rust (Puccinia psidii), damage from feral ungulates, wildfires, invasive species competition, loss of  pollinators, and black twig borer.

Conservation Planning: Can be used for forest restoration and agroforestry practices.

Fun Fact: Polymorpha means many forms. ‘Ōhi‘a has many variations in flower and leaf color, leaf shape, and tree or shrub forms.

• Flower color: cream: light orange, orange, pink, red, yellow, and bi-color
• Leaf color and size: dark, medium, and light green. leaves can be large or small
• Liko color: Yellow: orange, pink, red, and magenta/purplish

*spotlight species are posted quarterly.