05-04 December 2007. 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 20 Thoughts Every Hiker has had on the Trail Up Koko Head Crater, Shop These 5 Sophisticated Aloha Shirt Brands, The Enduring Nostalgia of Hawaii's Historic Drive-In Restaurants, Find Solitude and Serenity at the Waipio Wayside Bed and Breakfast, 5 Things to Consider When Renting a Home in Hawaii, Stix Asia Food Hall Brings 17 New Asian Restaurants to Waikk. View Our Woods We also carry many exotic woods from around the world, such as Bloodwood, Ebony, Wenge, Purpleheart, Padauk, Cocobolo, and Zebrawood. Blog Posts by various authors are the opinions of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the position of Home Shoppe Hawaii or other contributors. Austropuccinia psidiion the move: survey based insights to its geographical distribution, host species, impacts and management in Australia. To evoke or inspire the Gods and enhance their storytelling, hula dancers traditionally wear lehua blossoms or buds in lei headbands, around wrists and ankles. In a fit of rage, Pele transformed hia into an ugly, gnarled tree, and while Lehua tried to convince Pele to change him back, she refused. This beautiful Ohia wood has been kiln dried and surfaced on two sides. The plant can be found growing in dry and wet environments from sea level to heights above 5,000 feet as a shrub, a towering tree or even an epiphyte living off other trees. O'o (digging stick) had many uses for the farmer and was usually 5 to 7 feet long, either pointed and sharpened on the edges or with flat blades. While hia lehua flowers most commonly bloom scarlet red, they also blossom in salmon, garnet, yellowand on very rare occasionswhite. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? The flowers of the Ohia tree are typically bright red, and are large and tufted. The nectar of its flowers helped to feed Hawaiis menagerie of native birds, such as theapapane(Hawaiian honeycreeper) and the now-extinctmamo(black Hawaiian honeycreeper), whose colorful feathers were often used for creatinghulaadornments. [12], The genus name Metrosideros is derived from the Greek words metra, meaning 'heartwood', and sideron, meaning 'iron', and refers to the hard wood of the trees in this genus. In drier areas, problematic invaders include faya tree (Myrica faya) and Christmasberry (Schinus terebinthifolius). Produced prior to 1822. Perfect Hawaiian wedding bands for men and women; the Ohia is the tree that blooms Hawaii's state flower, the Lehua, and is used to make important leis. But Pele isnt the only god associated with ohia lehua. Pricing/Availability: Not commonly exported. At Aloha Woods, we proudly ship our high quality hardwood products and supplies everywhere in the United States. (Photo by JB Friday) They are found in the tropical areas of the Hawaiian islands. There are no comments for this journal entry. 2019. It is found throughout the world and can be sustainably managed as a renewable resourcein contrast to coal, ores, and petroleum, which are gradually exhausted.By means of its harvesting in forests, its transportation, its processing in workshops and industries, and its trade and use, wood provides jobs and supports economic development and . Kailua Home for Sale with Ohia Post in Front Entry. January 1, 2005 (Title 7, Volume 5). Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, and turned objects. It wont let me attach a photo, but it will be on Instagram soon. The specific links on this site are affiliate links (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) and help support the site at no extra cost to you. 2019. Dont transport hia wood interisland and dont move hia wood or vegetation, especially from areas known to have ROD. Specific gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .70, .91. However, all woods produce fine dust when worked, which in turn can damage your lungs and cause a number of other adverse health reactions. This wood is very, very hard, but also known to be unstable if not properly seasoned. Referenced in mele (songs), oli (chants) and moolelo (stories), hia trees were used for myriad purposes by ancient Hawaiians. In some trees, it is straight and smooth; in others, it is twisted and prominently fluted. Wood is a material of great economic importance. Produced prior to 1822. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. August 2018. A distinct biotype has been introduced to South Africa (Toome-Heller, infected or contaminated planting material, nursery stock, plant cuttings, flowers and germplasm, contaminated plant waste, timber, wood packaging and dunnage, contaminated equipment and tools used on or around plants (e.g. Currently held inthe collections of the British Museum. Four biotypes are known. The color of Ohia Lehua ranges from light brown to redish in color. Used with permission. [16], "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families", "Auwahi: Ethnobotany of a Hawaiian Dryland Forest", "A History of Honeybees in the Hawaiian Islands", "Two new species of fungi that kill hia trees get Hawaiian names", "Pele's Revenge: A Hawaii legend from Native American folklore", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Metrosideros_polymorpha&oldid=1136288302. Sam Ohu Gon III, senior scientist and cultural adviser at the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, said ohia wood was used for weapons, hula instruments, homes and temples in ancient Hawaii. Metrosideros polymorpha may occur as a tall tree or a prostrate shrub, and everything in between. Ohia Lehua or just Ohia is a specific type of very dense Hawaiian hardwood. The wood is easily carved with a sharp tool when it is freshly cut or if it is kept wet. We welcome you to explore our inventory selection and to learn more about our business. Warm, rich colors set this wood apart. Comments: Ohia is a very common species in Hawaii. Typically, halau collect their adornments from the forest and return them after the competition. (https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Subchapter-15-Introduction-of-Myrtaceae.pdf), Killgore, E. M. and R. A. Heu. Top Water-Based Stain Ratings 1. hia wood is one of the hardest woodsin Hawaii, but it is not widely used on a commercial level. Ohia Lumber (24" x 3" x 3/4") INCLUDES 1 WOOD BLANK (several blanks are shown to indicate the range of color/grain to expect). Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. Oil finishes on maple tend to bring out the greens and browns in the wood and amber the whiter part. Beautiful ribbon figure is common in this species. The flowers are gorgeouscoming in a variety of colors from red to yellow and even whiteand have played muse for many local clothing and accessory designers. Comments: Ohia is a very common species in Hawaii. Several cultivars of M. excelsa, the pohutukawa tree of New Zealand, have been sometimes planted as ornamentals in Hawaii but are not reported to have naturalized. My flooring in my home is Ohia and weve had our varnished a few times with a matte and shiny finish on separate occasions both do great, (This is a monthly update, and your email will be kept private. Copyright 2007-2021, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn. 73-4770 Kanalani Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. 808-329-5189. sales@alohawoods.com . Code of Federal Regulations. In short, this multifaceted mainstay of native forests has as many culturally symbolic uses and meanings as it does forms. A log will sink when placed in water, and this means was used to store and season the material. It was first described on guava ( Psidium pomiferum) in Brazil in 1884 (Loope and La Rosa 2008). It produces a brilliant display of flowers, made up of a mass of stamens, which can range from fiery red to yellow. Contact us and tell us what you're looking for. Total length: 15 inches Handle width approximately: 5/8" Mahalo and Aloha Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. The wood was used for building and the fruit for eating and making dyes. Meanings for ohia It refers to a flowering plant species that is mostly grown in Hawaii. And, indeed, there is a well-known Hawaiian story that tells the tale of their intertwined fates. Metrosideros polymorpha is the most common native tree in the Hawaiian Islands, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions, temperature, and rainfall. All we can do now is follow these five guidelines on preventing the spread of ROD. In this article, we have reviewed some of the very best wood varnishes that we believe would do a great job when it comes to finishing your wooden structures. Ohia (pronounced Oh-he-a) is a dense, native Hawaiian wood with beautiful, warm, color variation. Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Ohia posts and poles are soldbased on bottom diameters. There are knots and checks present in this piece, please see pictures. Grayish sapwood is not well defined. A new and devastating disease, rapid ohia death (ROD), in Hawaii led to a state quarantine that regulates interisland transport of ohia wood and plant material to prevent spread of the causal pathogens. Ohia Poles-Hardwoods Hawaii (808) 939-7218 Also Known As. This beautiful Ohia wood has been kiln dried and surfaced on two sides. Starr, F., K. Starr, and L.L. We are fortunate here, on Oahu, to have many beautifully designed and Historically Significant Homes, for sale and otherwise. In due course, it all came together. See above for USDA hardiness. Whether you're a barbecuer or a griller; whether you cook on a grill or smoker, over charcoal or propane, hardwood chunks will make your food taste better. [6] In native Hawaiian society, it is used in house and heiau construction, as well as to make papa kui ai (poi boards), weapons, tool handles, hohoa (round kapa beaters), and kii (statues and idols). Im not sure about this wood specifically, but if your bridge is outside, I wood recommend an oil based spar-urethane, like Miniwax Helmsman. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 79:20-30. Lava-loving ohia lehua: A pioneer plant in peril By Special to West Hawaii Today | Sunday, November 15, 2015, 11:30 a.m. Share this story One of the wondrous things about visiting a young lava. There is of course no obligation, but if youd like to give back and ensure that the project continues to grow, consider supporting me on Patreon. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; exclusively solitary;medium to large pores in no specific arrangement, moderately numerous; parenchyma not visible;narrow rays, spacing fairly close. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. Introduced to 27 countries on several continents; most worrying has been the spread across the Pacific beginning after 2000. Many . [citation needed], In Hawaiian mythology, hia and Lehua were two young lovers. [1] The flowers were used medicinally to treat pain experienced during childbirth. All information on this site is believed to be reliable but is expressly not guaranteed. We specialize in over 25 species of air-dried local woods including Ohia, Mango, Monkey pod, and many more. 2020. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. A summary of Information Related to Regulatory Options for Preventing Introduction of Additional Strains of the Rust Puccinia psidii Winter (Guava Rust) To Hawaii, Stewart, J. E., A. L. Ross-Davis, R. N. Graa, A. C. Alfenas, T. L. Peever, J. W. Hanna, J. Y. Uchida, R. D. Hauff, C. Y. Kadooka, M.-S. Kim, P. G. Cannon, S. Namba, S. Simeto, C. A. Prez, M. B. Rayamajhi, D. J. Lodge, M. Agruedas, R. Medel-Ortiz, M. A. Lpez-Ramirez, P. Tennant, M. Glen, P. S. Machado, A. R. McTaggart, A. J. Carnegie, and N. B. Klopfenstein. Defy Extreme Stain 3. Poplar, Cottonwood, and Aspen: Whats What? Business Hours If youd like to learn more about our business, our inventory, or how we can help you transform your space, contact a member of our staff today at. Most poly-urethanes that I have worked with are for interior applications. Small pin holes may be present only in sapwood areas. Sep 2, 2017 - Explore Haley Hinds-Baldwin's board "ohia posts" on Pinterest. All information on this website believed reliable, but not guaranteed. Woodturning is a very rewarding hobby, but the tools and materials you use are essential if you want to get good results. Biological Invasions April 2019,Volume 21,Issue4,pp 12151225, Winzer, L.F., K.A. We specialize in over 25 species of air-dried local woods including Ohia, Mango, Monkey pod, and many more. These are: Metrosideros polymorpha, M. macropus, M. rugosa, M. tremuloides, and M. waialealae. Austropuccinia psidii is unusual among rusts in having a wide host range. TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish The Summary of Top Features Advantages Disadvantages 2. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. Call us for a quote, we look forward to hearing about your project. Our largeinventory of seasoned Ohia posts and poles are peeled, sorted and ready for delivery. Partners Step 4. Our exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff coupled with our vast selection of in-stock inventory make it easy for you to find exactly what you need for your next home or business renovation project. Trees growing in forests often have stilt roots, having germinated on logs or the stems of fallen hpuu (Cibotium tree ferns), which have long decayed away when the tree has reached maturity. Clear finishes tend to make light colored woods look good. Code of Federal Regulations. Lehua flowers and liko (young leaf buds) were used for lei and altar adornments. We deliverislandwide and ship off island via the Department of Agriculture and Young Brother Hawaii. Temple image figure made of 'hia wood, probably represents Kuka'ilimoku, the god of war. (4), Ulana is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Aloha Woods is a locally owned and operated supplier of high quality flooring and lumber serving the Big Island in Hawaii and everywhere else in the United States. This is in large part thanks to the trees superior capacity for extending its root system deep into lava rock crevices, and its capability to close its stomata, or breathing pores, which helps to block toxic volcanic gases that can be blown their way. [13] Throughout Oceania, there are many similar-sounding words that were also derived from the same ancestral protoform and, in most cases, they are names for the "mountain apple", or "Malay apple" tree, Syzygium malaccense. 7 CFR319.37: Nursery stock, plants, roots, bulbs, seeds, and other plant products prohibitions and restrictions on importation: disposal of articles refused importation. Our airdried local lumber inventory is ideal for your home or business renovation or new construction needs. The fungus was first noticed in Puna in 2010. To create a new comment, use the form below. He was so good-looking he attracted the gaze of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. lukuohia. This tree was believed to be one manifestation of the major gods, Kane and Ku, and was therefore thought to have great mana (power). Handcrafted reclaimed Hawaiian Ohia wood flooring rescued from Re-use Hawaii. Some are killed, others survive; some hosts support spread of the infection. The lehua (flowers) and liko lehua (leaf buds) are used in making lei. The meandering, curvy dark stains in these crosssectional pieces of ohia wood are NOT typical of ROD infected trees. Bow Woods (from a mathematical perspective), Four Common Finishing Mistakes (and how to avoid them). Ohia (pronounced Oh-he-a) is a dense, native Hawaiian wood with beautiful, warm, color variation. All Rights Reserved. The Ohia tree, commonly referred to as the Ohia Lehua, is a native to Hawaii. dieteri M. p. var. Elliott, B. Quinn, H.G. ~ Click here to view our available slabs This chart simply lists specific woods that can aggravate symptoms through allergic reactions, or woods that are outright toxic in and of themselves. Known to infect 539 species worldwide from 86 different genera all in the Myrtaceae family. This dense and beautiful Hawaiian hardwood takes a wonderfully high polish! Though the wood is generally considered difficult to work because of interlocked grain and high density, the amazingly . According to the well-known Hawaiian tale, there once was a beautiful man named hia. TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series 4. 2008 Ohia Rust (Eucalyptus Rust) (Puccinia psidii Winter) Risk Assessment for Hawai`i, Loope, L. 2009. Employment, Hearne Hardwoods Inc. Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable to perishable; good insect resistance. The flowers appear in clusters on the terminal ends of the branches. 2020. Oil finishes tend to bring out the greens, reds, browns, etc. It the most abundant tree on the Big Island. Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Ohia. Ohia lehua Metr o sideros polymorpha 7.4 255.60 (20.30)D 11.99 . Metrosideros polymorpha was originally classified as a variety of M. collina, native to Rarotonga, Tahiti, and other islands of Polynesia, but now is generally accepted as a distinct Hawaiian endemic species. 4. Special thanks toKim Steutermann Rogers, a Kauai-based freelance writer and hia expert, for updating this story. [7] Although the trunk of hia is not used to make the kaele (hull) of waa (outrigger canoes), it was used for their nohona waa (seats), pale (gunwales), and pola (decking). Mentioned in the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian genesis story, to being a favored flower to the fire goddess Pele, the endemic hia lehua is an important tree and flower in Hawaiian culture. Wood is a good source of energy when used with fuel. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for. Nowhere is that more apparent than in areas that have been covered by recent lava flows; the hia tree tends to be one of the first plants to colonize these dry, obsidian lava rock habitats. Temple image figure made of 'hia wood, probably represents Kukailimoku, the god of war. Donating wood samples and pictures of wood itemsIf youve got a new or unusual wood species that isnt on the site, please consider sharing it with the rest of us! According to folklore, Ohia was the name of a warrior that was transformed into a tree. 5. In various stories, the plant is a kinolau, or physical manifestation, of several Hawaiian gods and goddesses including Ku, Hiiaka, Kane, Kapo as well as, some say, Laka, the goddess of hula. polymorphaM. Beautiful ribbon figure is common in this species. Coring, sanding, splitting, notching, and other services available. This dense and beautiful Hawaiian hardwood takes a wonderfully high polish! URL: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/npa05-04-ohiarust.pdf, Loope, L. and A.M. LaRosa. Silicone ball covered with soft chamois. Temple image figure made of 'hia wood, probably represents Kukailimoku, the god of war. To celebrate hia Lehua Dayevery year on April 25weve compiled a few things you need to know about this tropical tree. It is essential not to move untreated ohia wood around the state to prevent the spread of rapid ohia death. Thus, ecologically and culturally, hia stands as one of the most vitally important trees of Hawaiian forests. The leaves are heart-shaped and round, from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. The fungi spreads like a virus, so transporting infected ohia wood to a new area could spell disaster. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Thus the Metrosideros polymorpha may be referred to correctly as a lehua tree, or as an hia lehua, or simply an hia.[4]. We are excited to offer a flitch to you. In drier areas, M. polymorpha has to compete with silk oak (Grevillea robusta) and fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum). In April 2018, the cause of Rapid 'Ohi'a Death was identified as two species of Ceratocystis previously unknown to science: C. huliohia and C. The volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the handsome hia and approached him, but he turned down her advances. At high elevations, and in areas with poor soils or little rainfall, shrub forms are the norm. JJ Ahuna shares the process of them doing the Kalua Pork, Keaukaha Style, once again!! Costa da Silva, A; PM Teixeira de Andrade, A Couto Alfenas, R Neves Graca, P Cannon, R Hauff, D Cristiano Ferreira, and S Mori. Unfortunately for Pele, hia had his eyes set on a woman named Lehua, who also happened to fancy hia. Used as insulation. ft. and produces world class live edged table tops, mantles, timbers, lumber, turning blanks, book matched sets, musical instruments, burl caps, burl blanks, and more! See more ideas about hawaiian house, hawaiian homes, hawaii homes. The most adventurous cooking activity one evening was barbecuing pork ribs over Ohia wood coals. Pearson, B.J.R. Questions? I worked in the hotels for years hear on maui. Lumber; Plywood; Ohia Posts; Flooring; Shipping; Specialty and Supplies; Contact; Get in touch. Open wounds on hia are entry points for the microscopic fungal pathogens. One principal pathway of introduction is imports of infected plants or plant parts. Heat treatment kills the disease. The hia lehua flower is mentioned in many Hawaiian moolelo; one of the more significant legends tells of its creation. It is a very dense wood. Sign up to be the first to know about products and specials from Cook Woods! Chasing myrtle rust in New Zealand: host range and distribution over the first year after invasion. All inhaled wood dust is hazardous to your long-term health. Sunday / Closed, View Our Products Wood Inlay Descriptions O to Z. Ohia Wood from the Ohia Lehua tree is one of the most cherished trees in Hawaii. [1] This shrub spreads to form a creeping jungle of interwoven, curved and twisted springy arching branches. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for housing. This dense and beautiful Hawaiian hardwood takes a wonderfully high polish! We finished our beach adventure relatively early one day, and had plenty of time to enjoy a relaxing evening at our rental house, which happened to have a fire pit, a BBQ, and a large deck. Virulence and Impact of Brazilian Strains ofPuccinia psidiion Hawaiian Ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha). Other possible pathways include timber and wind. Acacia koa is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. [1][9], There are about 50 species in the genus Metrosideros in Southeast Asia and the Pacific and as well one species in South Africa. Ohia are the most abundant, ecologically important, and culturally significant plants in Hawaii. In ancient times, indigenous Hawaiians farmed fish by building rock walls along the edge of the river and creating several gates with 'Ohia wood that allowed the small fish to enter the calm waters and grow larger, where-upon they were too big to fit through the narrow vertical openings of the gate. Related Species: None available. The disease caused by these fungal species has been named Rapid hia Death; trees on Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai and Oahu have also been infected. This beautiful Ohia wood has been kiln dried and surfaced on two sides. Aloha Woods is your premier source for all grades of Hawaiian grown Koa Wood on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our products include logs, live edge boards, lumber, guitar parts, veneer, flooring and much more. Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, and turned objects. It grows particularly well along stream banks. A titanium ring with Hawaiian Ohia wood inlay; beautiful tree preserved in the strength of titanium. The wood has a straight grain and a coarse texture that makes it easy to carve and less likely to dry out and crack. More recently, a strain of fungus initially identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata has attacked the hia forests of the Big Island, causing Rapid 'hi'a Death. It is used both for the construction of the main structural elements as well as . However, slabs, lumber, and smaller craft blanks can all be found on occasion. Ohia trees grow to heights of 60-100 ft. with diameters of 2-3 ft.;some can reach as large as 4 ft. in diameter. Upgrade your flooring with our huge selection of stunning local Hawaiian hardwood flooring options. The best woods for turning include Maple, Ash, Cedar, African mahogany, and Hickory. Small pin holes may be present only in sapwood areas. The pandemic biotype introduced to Oceania, Asia and the Pacific, including Hawai`i, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Florida. quantities of ohia that are available, it appeared the wood should be suitable for the manufacture of hardboard. Workability:Generally difficult to work on account of its high density and interlocked grain. Preferred soils are acidic to neutral (pH 3.6-7.4) and either a Histosol, Mollisol, Podsol, Oxisol, Ultisol, or Alfisol. (1) Referenced in mele (songs), oli (chants) and moolelo (stories), hia trees were used for myriad purposes by ancient Hawaiians. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, and wash your clothes in hot water. In this way, hia help start the forest and grow with it, with the potential to top out at 100 feet tall and nearly 1,000 years of age, the keystone species of Hawaiian rainforested mountaintops. Monkeypod trees are valued for their timber -- a durable hardwood. For flooring, it is seen on Oahu mostly in luxury real estate. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for housing. (808)939-7218, 2016 Hardwods Hawaii Inc. Oxford PA, 19363 USA, Telephone Pegg, M.R. Keep your eyes open. pseudorugosa, It is a common misconception that the word hia is used to refer to the tree and that the word lehua refers only to its flowers. Staining New Wood & Deck Tips Find The Best Wood Stains for Your Deck Best Deck Prep Tips: Clean/Strip/Brighten . Some say that if you pick the flower from an hia tree, the two lovers cry, causing the sky to rain down their tears. Though Rapid Ohia Death is currently only found on Hawaii Island, the quickly-spreading disease poses an imminent threat to this significant tree statewide. Chimera. Related Articles: None available. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. As such, the abundant plant had many uses for early Hawaiians: Ohia's sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues; its leaves were used as a medicinal tea; and its flowers and its seeds fed native birds like the apapane and the now-extinct mamo, whose prized feathersin colors It is one of the few honey plants native to Hawaii, and the honey made from its flowers has a subtle floral taste. More than a million hia on Hawaii Island have become infected by one of two fungal species,Ceratocystis huliohiaandCeratocystis lukuohia, and died. The wood was used to build houses and fences, create the seats and decks of their famous canoes, and burned as firewood. The color of Ohia Lehua ranges from light brown to redish in color. But Ohia had eyes for another woman: Lehua. (808) 329-5189! To evoke or inspire the Gods and enhance their storytelling, hula dancers traditionally wear lehua blossoms or buds in lei, headbands, around wrists and ankles. Carnegie, G.S. Metrosideros polymorpha, the hia lehua, is a species of flowering evergreen tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that is endemic to the six largest islands of Hawaii.It is a highly variable tree, being 20-25 m (66-82 ft) tall in favorable situations, and a much smaller prostrate shrub when growing in boggy soils or directly on basalt.It produces a brilliant display of flowers . If youd like to learn more about our business, our inventory, or how we can help you transform your space, contact a member of our staff today at The tree has flowers of white, yellow, orange or red. newelli M. p. var. On display at the Kpahulu Visitor Center. This is a report of tests conducted to determine its suitability for this use. [1] On moist, deep soils, hia grows to 2025m (6682ft) high. Defy Hardwood/Cedar Stain Alexander. Ohia rust, Puccinia psidii Winter. Its flowers were used for medicinal purposes, like easing the pain of childbirth. hia lehua growing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island.Photo: Getty Images/GeorgeBurba. There are knots present in this piece, please see pictures. Monday-Friday / 8am-5pm EST With over 100 species of domestic and exotic hardwood lumber in stock, Hearne Hardwoods is one of the largest specialty lumberyards in the world. It is a highly variable tree, being 2025m (6682ft) tall in favorable situations, and a much smaller prostrate shrub when growing in boggy soils or directly on basalt. 1.610.932.7400 / Intl & Local SEE ALSO:5 Pretty Ways to Wear Your hia Lehua Love on Your Sleeve, An apapane, a Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, in an hia lehua tree at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.Photo: Getty Images/Gerald Corsi. The Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui and Elbert 1986: 199) defines lehua with these words: "The flower of the hia tree also the tree itself [emphasis added]." Other than in flooring, Ohia posts are used decoratively and for structural posts on porches or other applications in many Oahu homes. YVONNE JARAMILLO AHEARN (B) - Oahu Real Estate. Specimens reaching 30m (98ft) high are on record. [4], The derivation of the word lehua is more obscure, and while there are many opinions regarding its origin, there has been, to date, no historical linguistic study of the word to provide convincing evidence for any particular etymology.