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f you are looking for tough, resilient and useful plants to develop a new landscape or enhance an established one, consider the first introductions by the Polynesians. Then look forward to other introductions by each culture and ethnic group to make our islands their home. Of course endemic plants should be on your list, but…

In the heart of the lush tropical forests of Hawaii lies a captivating tale of survival and interdependence, woven by the ‘Ie’Ie vine and the Hawaiian crow. This unique relationship not only mirrors the delicate balance of nature but also carries significant implications for the survival of these species, particularly the endangered Hawaiian crow. The…

November is bringing about a chill in the air, but the Christmas holidays don’t seem real until we get our Thanksgiving meal digested. Poinsettias don’t seem to care since they are beginning to show color now. Folks on the mainland think of the poinsettia as a Christmas flower but for us it blooms now through…

Our Thanksgiving turkey is at the soup stage and Christmas is almost here. Poinsettias are in full bloom as well as the related shrub, snows of Kilimanjaro, or Euphorbia leucocephala. Folks are sending cards, buying and mailing gifts, but it seems like most of us are a bit slow in getting our mainland Christmas trees…

In the botanical realm, some plants defy conventional wisdom and thrive in extraordinary conditions. The focus of this article is on air plants which exhibit the remarkable ability to grow without the need for soil. These unique plants, also known as epiphytes, find their ideal home in cloud forests.  What is an Epiphyte? An epiphyte…

Eucalyptus trees are celebrated for their aromatic leaves and their status as the primary food source for the endearing koala bears. Among the most common varieties, eucalyptus deglupta stands out and is commonly known as the “Rainbow Eucalyptus”. When this remarkable tree discards its bark, it’s like observing the evolution of a colored pencil into…