Ōhi‘a

Many Hawaiian moʻolelo involve the ʻōhiʻa tree and its bright, fiery flowers

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Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death

Park Ranger Russell Apple poses by a large ohia (Metrosideros collins) in the Upper Olaa Forest Reserve, 7609.4 acres of which have been recommended by the Commissioners of the Territorial Board of Agriculture and Forestry for addition to the Kilauea Section of the Park. In the lower picture, Ranger Tobin is shown among a dense tree fern growth in the proposed addition.

Park Ranger Russell Apple poses by a large ohia (Metrosideros collins) in the Upper Olaa Forest Reserve, 7609.4 acres of which have been recommended by the Commissioners of the Territorial Board of Agriculture and Forestry for addition to the Kilauea Section of the Park. In the lower picture, Ranger Tobin is shown among a dense tree fern growth in the proposed addition.

The scorched forest floor smolders from the lava breakout. The release of large amounts of acidic gases from the new lava eruption of June 18-19 have caused a dieback of ohi`a and hau`u ferns. Dead ohi`a leaves litter the forest floor and vegetation is encrusted in sulfur crystals (not pictured).

Hopefully this ohia will survive.

This young Ohia tree may not survive.

It's very rare to see an Ohia tree this dry!