ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

Metrosideros polymorpha, ʻŌhiʻa lehua, is one of the most abundant native tree species in Hawaiʻi. This species is important for Hawaiʻi’s watershed and ecology. Without the ʻōhiʻa forests, rain would erode into the ocean instead of filtering down to replenish the water table. The ʻōhiʻa tree also provides shelter and food sources for other native species such as the native Hawaiian bird, ʻApapane. Not only is the ʻōhiʻa important to the insects and animals, it is important to the Native Hawaiian people. The ʻōhiʻa tree was used by early Hawaiians for weapons, musical instruments, house construction, and canoes. Native Hawaiians continue to use the tree for lei. The ʻōhiʻa lehua is currently being threatened by an invasive species, Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia also known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Ceratocystis is a fungi that attacks the tree, quickly causing its death, usually in a few weeks. If nothing is done to control the spread, 90% of the ʻōhiʻa forests will be destroyed. It is important that people are educated about Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death so the disease does not spread to healthy forests.