Uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiensis) planting
I had an amazing experience planting the super rare uhiuhi plant. There are rumoured to be
less than 20 plants left in the wild amongst the islands. Perhaps 7 exist on the
island of Oahu, in the Waianae mountain range. I worked with the forest
service, USDA, and some other pro-Hawaiian groups. Last year we
cleared a site and we finally put 17 plants in the ground. With winter rains
coming, and awesome people watching over these juvenile
plants, hopefully they can grow big and tall. This plant is one of the hardest
Hawaiian woods used for holua sleds, weapons, o'o, and to help build
structures. Dense, black, and heavy it actually sinks in water. It and Kauila
are the hardest native woods on these islands. It is threatened by craftsmen who value
the wood as well as an introduced twig borer.
less than 20 plants left in the wild amongst the islands. Perhaps 7 exist on the
island of Oahu, in the Waianae mountain range. I worked with the forest
service, USDA, and some other pro-Hawaiian groups. Last year we
cleared a site and we finally put 17 plants in the ground. With winter rains
coming, and awesome people watching over these juvenile
plants, hopefully they can grow big and tall. This plant is one of the hardest
Hawaiian woods used for holua sleds, weapons, o'o, and to help build
structures. Dense, black, and heavy it actually sinks in water. It and Kauila
are the hardest native woods on these islands. It is threatened by craftsmen who value
the wood as well as an introduced twig borer.
Invasive Plant Removal, Ka'ala
I have a love and passion for nature, and these islands. In my free time, I volunteer for projects that help repair and preserve Hawaii's delicate ecosystem. Hawaii is home to some of the rarest plants that occur in no other place. In this picture I am digging up an invasive bulb plant that was found on Ka'ala. Ka'ala has a bog habitat. It is the tallest peak on the island of Oahu. For these projects I work with the forest service, USDA, and many other groups that care about preserving the uniqueness of this place.