ʻōHiʻA Lehua
ExplorePlants
ʻōHiʻA Lehua
metrosideros polymorpha
The ʻōhiʻa lehua is the most abundant and ecologically significant native tree in the Hawaiian archipelago. A true master of adaptation, it can thrive as a towering forest canopy tree, a stunted bog shrub, or even a pioneering plant sprouting directly from barren, newly hardened lava flows. Its scientific name perfectly captures this extraordinary morphological diversity, translating to 'many forms.' Deeply woven into Hawaiian culture, the ʻōhiʻa is revered as a sacred symbol of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire. Its vibrant, brush-like blossoms provide a crucial nectar source for native honeycreepers, while its sturdy root systems form the structural foundation of Hawaii's unique watershed ecosystems. Today, it remains a resilient yet vulnerable emblem of the islands' unique natural heritage.
Habitat: Found across Hawaiian islands, often thriving on barren volcanic lava flows or within dense tropical rainforests.
Appearance
The ʻōhiʻa lehua is highly variable in appearance, ranging from a creeping prostrate shrub to a 30-meter-tall tree. Its most iconic feature is the 'lehua' blossom, a spectacular, powder-puff-like inflorescence made up of numerous brightly colored stamens. These flowers are most commonly striking crimson red, but can occasionally be brilliant yellow, orange, or pale pink. The leaves are typically thick, leathery, and oval-shaped, arranged in opposite pairs along the stems, with colors ranging from pale grayish-green to dark, glossy green. Young leaves often display beautiful reddish or purplish hues. The bark is usually rough, flaky, and grayish-brown, frequently cloaked in native mosses and epiphytic ferns in wet forest environments.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyMyrtaceaeGenusMetrosideros
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
3
Interesting facts
According to Hawaiian mythology, picking a lehua blossom from an ʻōhiʻa tree will cause it to rain, as it represents the tears of the separated lovers ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua.
Its incredibly dense, strong wood was traditionally used by Native Hawaiians to carve weapons, kapa cloth beaters, and statues of protective deities.
The scientific species name 'polymorpha' means 'many forms,' highlighting its ability to adapt its physical structure drastically based on its immediate environment.
ʻŌhiʻa trees are known as pioneer species, often being the very first forms of life to take root on a freshly cooled, barren lava flow.
Special abilities
Ability
Lava Colonization
It possesses the remarkable ability to sprout from seemingly barren, fresh basaltic lava flows, breaking down the rock and initiating ecological succession.
Ability
Stomatal Closure
The tree can tightly close its leaf pores during periods of severe drought or high volcanic gas exposure, allowing it to survive in incredibly harsh or toxic conditions.
Ability
Phenotypic Plasticity
It exhibits extreme morphological variation, capable of growing as a massive tree in rainforests or a tiny shrub in bogs without any underlying genetic divergence.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-3000 cm
- Lifespan
- 50-1000 years
Diet & Feeding
As an autotrophic plant, the ʻōhiʻa lehua produces its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil nutrients
- Carbon dioxide
Ecological connections
mutualism
'I'iwi
Drepanis coccinea
Provides a primary nectar source and is heavily pollinated by this specialized native Hawaiian honeycreeper.
mutualism
'Apapane
Himatione sanguinea
Relies on the tree's abundant blossoms for food and acts as a key pollinator across its range.
parasite
Rapid 'Ohia Death Fungus
Ceratocystis lukuohia
A devastating invasive fungal pathogen that causes Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), severely threatening native tree populations.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify ʻōHiʻA Lehua?
The easiest way to identify ʻōHiʻA Lehua is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is ʻōHiʻA Lehua?
15-3000 cm
How long does ʻōHiʻA Lehua live?
50-1000 years
What does ʻōHiʻA Lehua eat?
As an autotrophic plant, the ʻōhiʻa lehua produces its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Where is ʻōHiʻA Lehua usually found?
Found across Hawaiian islands, often thriving on barren volcanic lava flows or within dense tropical rainforests.
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park33 sightings50 species
Hawaii, US
Puna-Ka'u Historic District
You might spot ʻōhiʻa Lehua and Stinking Passionflower.
View guide →
Park3 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve
You might spot ʻōhiʻa Lehua, Red Junglefowl, and Red-Crested Cardinal.
View guide →
Park20 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
You might spot 'āhinahina, Jackson's Chameleon, and Sea Turtle.
View guide →
Park22 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
You might spot White-Rumped Shama, Koster's Curse, and Red Button Ginger.
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Park13 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Kula Botanical Garden
You might spot 'āhinahina, Jackson's Chameleon, and Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi.
View guide →
Park6 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Limahuli Garden and Preserve
You might spot Spathoglottis Plicata, Thatch Screwpine, and Brown Anole.
View guide →
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