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Metrosideros polymorpha

Gaudich. (1830)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Metrosideros

‘ōhi‘a [ohia], ‘ōhi‘a lehua [ohia lehua], lehua

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Description

Key Characters: Fruit a capsule; flowers in terminal cymes; sepals and petals distinct; staminal filaments distinct; leaves opposite; petioles ± as long as blades or less; expanding vegetative buds rounded at the tip; leaves not rugose, glabrous or lower surface woolly or appressed pubescent.

Growth Form: Small erect to prostrate shrubs to tall trees.

Stems: Bark usually rough and fissured, separating in thick flakes, sometimes smooth and separating in long thin strips, vegetative buds obovoid.

Roots: Adventitious aerial roots often present.

Leaves: Leaves simple. Opposite. Blade shape obovate to orbicular or sometimes elliptic, broadly ovate, or ovate, 1–8 cm long, 1–5.5 cm wide. Apex rounded or sometimes obtuse to acute. Base cuneate to cordate. Upper surfaces glabrous; lower surfaces glabrous or woolly or appressed pubescent. Margins entire and revolute to flat. Several pairs of raised veins radiating from base. Petioles usually short, usually much less than ⅓ as long as blades, 1–16 mm long, 1–3 mm wide. Stipules vestigial or absent.

Flowers: Flowers in inflorescences of 2–5 pairs of cymules, glabrous or appressed or woolly pubescent; peduncles 7–18 mm long, 1–3 mm wide, pedicels 2–8 mm long, 1–2 mm wide, bracts broadly ovate to suborbicular, 5–10 mm long, 3–5 mm wide; hypanthium 3–7 mm high, 3–8 mm wide. Flowers red, pink, orange, bisexual (perfect), actinomorphic. Sepals rounded to triangular, 1.5–4 mm long, 1.5–3 mm wide. Petals obovate to orbicular, 2.5–5 mm long, 2–4.5 mm wide. Stamens 1–3 cm long. Ovary nearly superior; style 1.3–3 cm long.

Fruit: Capsules slightly included to exerted; fruiting hypanthium 3–8 mm long and wide; pubescent or glabrous.

Ploidy: 2n = 22*

Habitat: Inhabiting many ecological situations; early successional stages to a dominant species of shrublands and mesic to wet forest.

Elevation Range: 0–2,200 m.

Historical Distribution

Uses and Culture

USES

PROPAGATION/CULTIVATION

  • The tiny seeds of Metrosideros polymorpha are contained in a cup-like capsule about 1/4 inch in diameter. The capsule turns brown as the seeds mature. Collect the seed capsules when they are mature, but before they split open. Put the them in a paper bag or envelope and keep them dry. When the capsules open, the minute dust-like seeds will fall out.
  • Some researchers have found that light is required for germination of Metrosideros polymorpha seed while others have found that it greatly improves germination. Bright light, however, is not required for germination; Metrosideros polymorpha seeds germinate well at low light levels. In any case, it is best to sow Metrosideros polymorpha seeds on the surface of the medium. Drake found that Metrosideros polymorpha seeds germinate at any constant temperature from 50 to 93 degrees F. However, the fastest germination was at a temperature of 72 degrees and the slowest at 93 degrees. Interestingly, he also found that seeds from plants with fuzzy leaves germinated somewhat faster overall and better at higher temperatures. (Burton 1982; Drake 1993)
  • Use a moist sterile potting medium such as 1 part potting mix to 1 part fine cinders (NTBG 1993). Stratton's survey respondents suggested either the same mix as NTBG or a mix of 3 parts #2 perlite to 1 part Sunshine Mix #4. After sowing the seeds, water the medium as gently as possible; a mist system is ideal. Drake germinated seeds on find basalt sand using 6 seconds of mist every 3 minutes. Keep the medium moist and place the seed containers in a covered, shady location to control soil moisture and reduce damage from rain.
  • Both Drake and Burton found that a less than 20% of the seeds in a Metrosideros polymorpha capsule are viable; most of the seeds do not contain embryos. The viable, embryo-containing seeds are plumper than the others. Burton feels that the low percentage of viable seeds may be a result of partial self-incompatibility since this has been shown in some New Zealand members of this genus. This low seed viability rate results in a low germination rate. The most current NTBG publication (1996) states that the seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days. Drake also found that the majority of viable seeds germinated in 10 days and over 90% germinated within 15 days. Criley gives 10 days as the germination time.
  • Metrosideros polymorpha seeds should be sown while they are fresh since storage greatly reduces seed viability. Seeds stored at room temperature (55-84 degrees F) and ambient humidity (58-98%) for only a few months show significant losses in viability. If it is necessary to store the seeds, Stratton et al suggests removing them from the capsules as outlined above and storing them in a paper bag or envelope. Then place the paper container in an airtight container with desiccant in a cool, dry location. Some seed will germinate even after 3 years of storage in a refrigerator. (Bornhorst 1996; Burton 1982; Criley 1998; Criley 1999; Drake 1993; NTBG 1993; NTBG 1996; Stratton 1998; Yoshinaga 1998)
  • Metrosideros polymorpha can be grown from cuttings. Use tip or stem cuttings that are about 1/4 inch in diameter and 4 to 6 inches long. Criley recommends taking tip cuttings from vigorous, recently matured growth. Reduce water loss by removing portions of the leaves on the upper part of the cutting.
  • Rauch et al tested 4 dilutions of rooting hormone with a 2 to 1 indolebutyric acid (IBA) to naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) ratio (Dip'n Grow) on 4 inch cuttings of yellow flowered Metrosideros polymorpha. The dilutations ranged from 500 to 5,000 parts per million (ppm) of IBA. Vermiculite was used as the rooting medium and the cuttings were placed under intermittent mist of 6 seconds every 2 minutes. They reported that best results were obtained with 2,000 ppm IBA. One hundred percent of the cuttings in that treatment rooted and they had the longest average root length of all of the treatments. They found that the higher concentration was detrimental to both root length and rooting percentage.
  • Criley reports success with rooting hormones in solution having a 2 to 1 ratio of IBA to NAA. In this work, successful total auxin concentrations ranged from 2,000 parts per million (ppm) to 4,000 ppm, but higher concentrations may be needed for more difficult to root varieties. Bornhorst suggests dipping the cutting in a strong rooting hormone such as 10% Dip-N-Gro for 10 seconds.
  • Put the cuttings in a very well draining medium. Some recommended media are 1 part perlite to 1 part peat moss to 1 part vermiculite or 100% perlite. Criley uses either 1 part coarse perlite to 1 part vermiculite or 100% vermiculite.
  • Bornhorst states that cutting material from some individual plants roots more reliably than material from others. Criley suggests that cultivated forms may root more easily. (Bornhorst 1996; Criley 1998; Criley 1999; Rauch 1997; Stratton 1998)
  • Metrosideros polymorpha can be grown from air layers. Use standard air layering techniques, but use a strong rooting hormone. Bornhorst recommends a 10% solution of Dip-N-Gro.
  • Tanabe and Frazier report that the ring girdle air layer technique was successful on vigorously growing branches of younger plants. In their work, they used 3 to 4 foot long air layers. They tested a range of indolebutyric acid (IBA) concentrations and found that a 3% IBA talc dust (30,000 ppm) improved both rooting percentage and root quality of Metrosideros polymorpha air layers. This level of rooting hormone produced an 80% rooting rate after 15 weeks. They found that higher levels of IBA reduced rooting success.
  • Some individual plants seem to air layer more easily than others. Bornhorst suggests that the presence of aerial roots indicates that the plant may be propagated by air layering relatively easily. (Bornhorst 1996; Tanabe 1985; Stratton 1998) [Data from Herring, E. C., & Criley, R. A. (2003). The Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Web Site: Developing a Webbased Information Resource. HortTechnology, 13(3), 545-548. https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawnprop/]

Ethnobotanical Images

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Natural History

Statewide Status

Endemic

Island Status

Kaua'i Endemic
O'ahu Endemic
Molokai Endemic
Lana'i Endemic
Maui Endemic
Hawai'i Endemic

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Notes

  • There are a number of variations on the Hawaiian vernacular names ʻohiʻa and lehua that refer to both Metrosideros macropus and Metrosideros polymorpha. ʻOhiʻa hakea, ʻohiʻa kea, ʻohiʻa lehua puokeo, lehua haʻakea, lehua kea, and lehua pua kea all refer to ʻohiʻa with white flowers; ʻohiʻa ʻulaʻula refers to ʻohiʻa with red flowers; ʻohiʻa ʻapone and lehua ʻapane refer to ʻohiʻa with dark red blossoms; lehua mamo refers to ʻohiʻa with yellow flowers; lehua lau liʻi or ʻohiʻa lau liʻi refers to a form of ʻohiʻa with very small leaves; Iehuakamakua or ʻohiʻa ku ma kua is a form with sessile cordate leaves; lehua hamau (lit., silent lehua) and ʻohiʻa hamau are poetic references to the lehua tree; ʻohiʻa ko refers to an ʻohiʻa log to be made into a canoe; and ʻohiʻa Laka is a legendary tree that bore one red and one white flower.

Bibliography

Name Published In: Voy. Uranie: 482 (1830)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Metrosideros polymorpha Kukuau 2, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 17 OS Ohia wetland dieback. Soil a moderately shallow and poorly drained organic/ash type found on a pahoehoe flow. Most areas have water at or near the surface. There are some well drained hummocks. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, etc. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1978-04-22
2 Metrosideros polymorpha Waiakea, Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve, Site 07 OS Ohia wetland dieback. Soil a moderately deep organic/ash found over a pahoehoe flow. There is a matrix of well drained areas and poorly drained areas at or near the surface. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, etc. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH
3 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Makaha Valley, north facing slopes. Diospyros-Acacia-Metrosideros mesic forest w/ Alpitonia ponderosa, Dodonaea viscosa, Nestegis sandwicensis, Psydrax odorata, Chrysodracon aurea, Psychotria mariniana, Kadua affinis, Coprosma waimeae, Myrsine lanaiensis, Polyscias waimeae, Ant Preserved_Specimen Tree, 10 m tall, well-branched, w/ flower and fruit, common Wood, K.R. 17895 Kauai BISH 2018-07-19
4 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Approximately 1 mile from Pihea trailhead. Montane wet forest. Dicranopteris linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros polymorpha var. dieteri, Coprosma kauensis, Hedychium gardnerianum, Scaevola glabra, Sadleria cyatheoides, Cheirodendron trigynum, Cheir Preserved_Specimen Tree 6 m tall with obovate, glabrous leaves. Wolkis, D. 1113 Kauai BISH 2016-05-05
5 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District: Approximately 2 miles from Nuololo trail head. Montane mesic forest W/ Acacia koa, Leptecophylla tameiameiae. Dodonaea viscosa, Psidium cattleianum, Santalum sp., Dianella sandwicensis, Lantana camara, Pinus sp. Preserved_Specimen Tree with opposite leaves. Flowers bright red. Wolkis, D. 1103 Kauai BISH 2016-04-20
6 Metrosideros polymorpha Maui Hana District Kawaipapa stream, along stream on wet cliff walls, above Nahikuhana area Metrosideros - Cheirodendron trigynum wet forest with Sadleria spp., Pipturus albidus, Clemontia kakeana, Polyscias oah Preserved_Specimen Shrubs 3 m high with red flowers Perlman, S. 23389 Maui BISH 2013-04-11
7 Metrosideros polymorpha East Maui, Hana District, Auwahi Dry forest on aa. Preserved_Specimen Tree 7 m; yellow-fl. variant. Webster, G.L. 13911 Maui BISH 1968-06-25
8 Metrosideros polymorpha Piihonua, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 09 OS Ohia wetland dieback. Most of the soils are shallow organic and poorly-drained over a pahoehoe flow. Some areas are well-drained hummocks. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, Acacia koa, Cheirodendron trigynum & Myrsine lessertiana. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1979-06-06
9 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District Kokee, Lehua Makanoe bog Bog Cheirodendron spp., Dicranopteris linearis, Drosera anglica, Gahnia sp., Ilex anomala, Korthalsella sp., Melicope clusiifolia, Metrosideros polymorpha var glaberrima, Vaccinium spp. Preserved_Specimen Shrub ~.75 m. Red flower. Wolkis, D. 1259 Kauai BISH 2020-10-06
10 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Approximately 0.5 miles from Pihea trailhead. Montane wet forest. Dicranopteris linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros polymorpha var. dieteri, Diplopterygium sp., Vaccinium calycinum, Coprosma sp., Korthalsella sp., Cheirodendron trigynum, Machaerina ang Preserved_Specimen Tree 3 m tall with obovate, glabrous leaves. Wolkis, D. 1108 Kauai BISH 2016-05-05
11 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District: Just off right side of boardwalk on Alakai Swamp trail. First section of swamp after crossing Kawaikoi stream, towards Kilohana Overlook. Swamp. Inundated. Open canopy. W/ Dicranopteris linearis, Vaccinium sp., Melicope clusiifolia, Korthalsella sp., Dianella sandwicensis, Coprosma elliptica, Cheirodendron platyphyllum, Drosera anglica, Alyxia stellata, viola kauaens Preserved_Specimen Shrub, about 3 feet tall. White, wooly tomentum on leaves, peduncles, pedicels, and outside of capsules. Immature and mature fruit. Walsh, S. 241 Kauai BISH 2016-04-08
12 Metrosideros polymorpha Waiakea, Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve, Site 16 OS Ohia wetland dieback. Soil a moderately shallow poorly drained organic/ash found on a pahoehoe flow. Many areas have water near or at the surface. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, Cheirodendron trigynum, Myrsine lessertiana, etc. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1978-06-09
13 Metrosideros polymorpha Headwaters of the N fork of Wailua River, area called The Blue Hole of The Crater, just E of Mts Waialeale and Kawaikini; In deep valley surrounded by steep cliffs 1000 meters high laced with waterfalls; low primary vegetation of small, stunted trees 1-2 m tall, numerous pteridophytes, and Gunnera over saturated, rocky ground. Preserved_Specimen Small tree 1.5 m tall, fruits green. Common locally. Lorence, D.H. 5357 Kauai BISH 1987-07-23
14 Metrosideros polymorpha Mt. View, Puna, Pikake & Anthurium Streets. M. - Dicranopteris forest, Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 33670 Hawaii BISH 1976-02-04
15 Metrosideros polymorpha Hanalei District. Northeast Alakai. Forest, bogs and drainages, Metrosideros-Cheirodendron montane wet forest, bogs and riparian habitats with Broussaisia arguta, Dubautia paleata, Labordia waialealae, L. pumila, Polyscias waialealae, Vaccinium calycinum, Pipturus ruber, Descampsia nubigena, Machaerina angustifolia, Melicope cluslifolia, Preserved_Specimen Tree, 1 meter tall, many branched, spreading 2 meters wide, in boggy areas, in fruit. Wood, K.R. 176909 Kauai BISH 2018-08-14
16 Metrosideros polymorpha Hawaiiloa Ridge, windswept summit Metrosideros-Cheirodendron mixed wet forest. W/ Freycinetia, Kadua spp, Wikstroemia oahuensis, Machaerina angustifolia. Preserved_Specimen Tree 3 m tall, common in area with M rugosa. Wood, K.R. 13076 Oahu BISH 2008-06-01
17 Metrosideros polymorpha Fort Shafter Mudflow Preserved_Specimen Metrosideros polymorpha. ohia leaf, best, showing venation to level of veinlets but no margin Woodcock, D. 402 Oahu BISH
18 Metrosideros polymorpha Waiapaa Gulch, edges of, near end of dirt road There was buffel grass, silk oak, guava, coffee and eucalyptus trees in the vicinity. There were also Pukiawe, aalii, and a few ferns. Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. 920022 Lanai BISH 1992-01-26
19 Metrosideros polymorpha Piihonua, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 05 OS Pubescent ohia dieback. Soil an extremely shallow & excessively drained organics over an a`a flow. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha (pubescent), Ilex anomala, Myrsine lessertiana, M. sandwicensis & Cheirodendron trigynum. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1978-04-22
20 Metrosideros polymorpha Namolokama Plateau Preserved_Specimen Common Hobdy, R.W. 3315 Kauai BISH 1991-06-18
21 Metrosideros polymorpha Fort Shafter Mudflow Preserved_Specimen Metrosideros polymorpha. ohia leaf, small, venation not clear but marginal vein evident Woodcock, D. 325 Oahu BISH
22 Metrosideros polymorpha Eastern part of island, Kapu Ranch Preserved_Specimen Tree ca 3 m tall (but many nearby are taller). Red fl color comes primarily from t he filaments, but style is also red. Petals and st amens are green. Silica sample deposted in the BBG Lab tissue collection.l Pell, S.K. 759 Molokai BISH 2008-07-23
23 Metrosideros polymorpha Fort Shafter Mudflow Preserved_Specimen Metrosideros polymorpha. ohia leaf fragments Woodcock, D. 725 Oahu BISH
24 Metrosideros polymorpha Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Napau Crater Trail HUMAN_OBSERVATION Friday, J.B. Hawaii 5/29/2017
25 Metrosideros polymorpha Limahuli Garden, First Rest Stop Preserved_Specimen Small tree 3m tall; leaves dark green above and woolly and grey beneath; flowers yellow Shores, N. 58 Kauai BISH 2012-04-27
26 Metrosideros polymorpha Kukuau 2, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 17 OS Ohia wetland dieback. Soil a moderately shallow and poorly drained organic/ash type found on a pahoehoe flow. Most areas have water at or near the surface. There are some well drained hummocks. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, etc. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1978-06-20
27 Metrosideros polymorpha Fort Shafter Mudflow Preserved_Specimen Metrosideros polymorpha. ohia leaf fragment Woodcock, D. 227 Oahu BISH
28 Metrosideros polymorpha Kukuau 2, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 18 OS Ohia wetland dieback. Soil a moderately shallow organic/ash with poor drainage found over a pahoehoe flow. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, Acacia koa, Cheirodendron trigynum, Antidesma platyphyllum. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1979-06-04
29 Metrosideros polymorpha Mamolokama Plateau Preserved_Specimen Leaves always small. Hobdy, R.W. 3338 Kauai BISH 1991-06-18
30 Metrosideros polymorpha Fort Shafter Mudflow Preserved_Specimen Metrosideros polymorpha. very small leaf but some indication of marginal vein Woodcock, D. 365 Oahu BISH
31 Metrosideros polymorpha Mt. Tantalus, Manoa Cliffs Preserved_Specimen Krajina, V.J. 611028225 Oahu BISH 1961-10-28
32 Metrosideros polymorpha W Maui, Lahaina District, Lihau Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 3304 Maui BISH 1991-06-04
33 Metrosideros polymorpha Pihea Trail Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. 404 Kauai BISH 1987-06-17
34 Metrosideros polymorpha Fort Shafter Mudflow Preserved_Specimen Metrosideros polymorpha. ohia leaf fragment Woodcock, D. 351 Oahu BISH
35 Metrosideros polymorpha On Waahila Ridge Trail. Manoa Preserved_Specimen Tree. Numerous stamens are red. Welton, P. 8816 Oahu BISH 1988-11-06
36 Metrosideros polymorpha Kapuna Gulch in dieback area Preserved_Specimen Welton, P. 693 Oahu BISH 1991-05-04
37 Metrosideros polymorpha Koolau Mts., 1st hill past Pauoa Flats, trail to Konahuanui Preserved_Specimen Stemmermann, R.L. 7041 Oahu BISH 1985-12-27
38 Metrosideros polymorpha Lanai Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 60 Lanai BISH
39 Metrosideros polymorpha Pupukea Preserved_Specimen Suehiro, A. 222 Oahu BISH 1932-03-06
40 Metrosideros polymorpha Palikea Trail; Honouliuli Forest Reserve Preserved_Specimen Long, C.R. 3719 Oahu BISH 1966-01-24
41 Metrosideros polymorpha Puuwaawaa; forest on transect T17, near hwy 190 Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 5813 Hawaii BISH 1989-05-20
42 Metrosideros polymorpha Waikamoi Flume Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Maui BISH 1980-07-16
43 Metrosideros polymorpha Koolau Forest Reserve, Lyons Decline Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Maui BISH 1980-07-15
44 Metrosideros polymorpha Waolani, West side, Nuuanu Valley, Honolulu, Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1908-06-28
45 Metrosideros polymorpha Waikamoi Flume Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Maui BISH 1980-07-16
46 Metrosideros polymorpha Waianae Mountains: Kaluaa Preserved_Specimen Cantori, M. Oahu BISH 1958-10-04
47 Metrosideros polymorpha unknown Preserved_Specimen Harrison, B. 32 BISH 1972-07-15
48 Metrosideros polymorpha Kukaiau Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Oahu BISH
49 Metrosideros polymorpha Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 96 BISH 1864-01-01
50 Metrosideros polymorpha Olaa, Olaa Forest Reserve, Site 32 OS Ohia-treefern dieback. Soil a deep and moderately well drained organic/ash; substrate unknown. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha, Coprosma spp., Ilex anomala, Gouldia sp., Cheirodendron trigynum & Psychotria sandwicensis. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1979-06-14
51 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Approximately 0.25 miles from Pihea trailhead Montane wet forest. Dicranopteris linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros polymorpha var. dieteri, Diplopterygium sp., Vaccinium calycinum, Coprosma sp. Korthasella sp. Preserved_Specimen Wolkis, D. 1105 Kauai BISH 2016-05-05
52 Metrosideros polymorpha Between Mauna Kapu and Palikea Windy summit forest. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 21033 Oahu BISH 1950-10-29
53 Metrosideros polymorpha West Maui, Waihee Valle, yback of valley along central ridge Aspect: NE. Vegetation: Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, , Pipturus, Perrottetia, Sadleria, Miconia crenata, Cibotium, Cyasnea scabra, Erragrostis Preserved_Specimen Scattered plants, very silvery, flat hairs on adaxial surfacce of young leaves Pezzillo, Z. 79 Maui BISH 2022-11-17
54 Metrosideros polymorpha Koloa District. National Tropical Botanical Garden Headquarters at 3530 Papalina Road, Kalaheo, along driveway just south of front gate. Origin, wild collected on Kauai in Hanakapiai or Limahuli Valley, in ca 2000. Cultivated. Preserved_Specimen Densely branching small tree. Leaves medium green w some yellow spots. Buds greenish white, flowers w red stamens and style, petals greenish red. Lorence, D.H. 10686 Kauai BISH 2017-03-23
55 Metrosideros polymorpha West Maui, Waihe'e Valley, back of valley along central ridge Aspect: NE. Vegetation: Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, Pipturus, Perrottetia, Sadleria, Miconia crenata, Cibotium, Cyanea scabra, Erragrostis Preserved_Specimen Scattered plants, very silvery, flat hairs on adaxial surface of young leaves. Pezzillo, Z. 81 Maui BISH 2022-11-17
56 Metrosideros polymorpha Hanalei District. One mile along Na Pali Coast Trail, makai side of trail. Disturbed dry coastal forest. W/Pandanus tectorius, Sphenomeris chinensis, Stachytarpheta, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Casuarina equisetifolia, Bidens, Syzygium cumini, Euphorbia celastroides. Preserved_Specimen Shrub 10ft tall; flowers orange-red, being visited by Japanese white eyes. Deans, S.M. 112 Kauai BISH 2016-03-31
57 Metrosideros polymorpha Haupu Range, Western edge, Omoe region, secondary invasive vegetation with slopes native dicranopteris, pandanus, Metrosideros w/ Psidium guajava Aleurtes moluccana, elephantopus molis. zingiber zerumbey, clidernia hirta, Melaleuca quinquenervia. along ridge crest Preserved_Specimen Tress, 4-10m tall, fruiting. Wood, K.R. 16042 Kauai BISH 2014-08-14
58 Metrosideros polymorpha Hanalei District. Near North Bog, Honoonapali NAR, Kauai Ohia (Metrosideros) Lowland Wet forest, adjacent to Ohia/Kuolohia/Oreobolus (Metrosideros polymorpha/Rhynchospora chinensis subsp. Spiciformia/Oreobolus furcatus) Mixed Bog Machaerina angustifolia, Dicranopteris linearis, Metrosideros polymorpha var. dieteri, Metrosideros waialealae var. waialealea, Kadua affinis, Dubautia paleata, Dubautia laxa subsp. Hirsuta, Melicope Preserved_Specimen Small treeleet, 1.5 meters tall, with immature and mature capsules. New growth pinkish, leaves medium green, stem dark. Parasitized by Korthal;sella rmyana. Growing in open flat area adjacent to North Bog fence, plants common among other Metrosideros taxa. I believe this is a unique form once known as var. microphylla, but n___ Williams, A.M. 806 Kauai BISH 2023-08-02
59 Metrosideros polymorpha N side of Kalalau Valley, E of Keanapuka Falls, 20 - 90 % open fernland of Dicranopteris and Diplopterygium on moderate to steep mesic ridges and slopes with Pteridium aquilinum var decompositum, Cibotium nealiae, Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis, Sphenomeris chinensis, Doodia kunthiana, and Lycopodiella cernua and 5 - 30 % cover of native shrubs and trees, Metrosideros polymorpha, Santalum, Scaevola Preserved_Specimen Tree, 12 m tall, below ridge and entering gluch forest, bark peeling gray-brown, stamens red, l;vs large. Wood, K.R. 12494 Kauai BISH 2007-08-09
60 Metrosideros polymorpha Lihue District. Mt. Ha'upu. North facing slope on west ridge. On giant rock. Mesic, predominatly non-native forest. Growing over giant boulder on north facing slope. W/ Melinis minutiflora, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Heliocarpus popayanensis, Machaerina angustifolia, Eragrostis variabilis, Paederia foetida Preserved_Specimen Large shrub, about 6 feet tall with a 12 foot diameter canopy. Walsh, S. 164 Kauai BISH 2015-11-18
61 Metrosideros polymorpha Upper Wailua River, Lower Blue Hole, about 1/3 up stream Metrosideros lowland wet forest. Preserved_Specimen Large tree about 35 feet tall. NTBG acc. #2019001 Walsh, S. 664 Kauai BISH 2018-12-20
62 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District Kokee, Kahuamaa flats, Metrosideros mixed wet forest. W/ Cheirodendron, Dodonaea viscosa, Perrotttetia sandwicensis, Kadua foggiana Preserved_Specimen Tree, 7 m tall, perhaps hybrid with M. p. dieteri Wood, K.R. 14665 Kauai BISH 2011-05-13
63 Metrosideros polymorpha Wainiha, camp around confluence of E and W fork. Metrosideros 40 - 60% closed w/ 12-15 m tall canopy, understory of Perrottetia, Psychotria spp, Dubautia spp, Labordia spp, Tetraplasandra kavaiensis, T. oahuensis, rich fern and bryophyte understory. Preserved_Specimen Tree 9 m tall, bark gray-brown, peeling in long strips, stamens red, common. Wood, K.R. 13114 Kauai BISH 2008-06-17
64 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Approximately 0.75 miles from Pihea trailhead. Montane wet forest. Dicranopteris linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros polymorpha var. dieteri, Diplopterygium sp., Vaccinium calycinum, Coprosma sp, Korthalsella sp., Cheirodendron trigynum, Machaerina ang Preserved_Specimen Tree 2 m tall with obovate, glabrous leaves. Wolkis, D. 1112 Kauai BISH 2016-05-05
65 Metrosideros polymorpha Lihue District. Kipu Kai side of Mount Haupu. Steep slope. Just below rocky, vertical, SE facing cliff of coastal mesic forest. W/ Schinus terebinthifolius, Casuarina equisetifolia, Psidium cattleianum, Psydrax odorata, Polyscias racemosa, Lantana camara, Phymatosorus grossus, Sida fallax, Lepidium orbiculare, Heteropogon cont Preserved_Specimen Shrub about 6 feet tall. In flower and immature fruit. Walsh, S. 429 Kauai BISH 2017-05-22
66 Metrosideros polymorpha Kipapa Trail, N side, W slope of finger disturbed wet lowland forest; Metrosideros, Acacia, Dicranopteris Preserved_Specimen ~7.5 m tree; leaves coriaceous, margins revolute, abaxial surface pubescent, white hairs; flower red, abundant; dried seed capsules Reynolds, L.S. 148 Oahu BISH 2006-06-20
67 Metrosideros polymorpha E Maui, Hana District, Hanawi NAR, between E & W forks of Hanawi Stream With Metrosideros polymorpha var glaberrima. Veg: Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, Dicranopteris, Acacia, Tetraplasandra, Pritchardia, Scaevola, Perrottetia, Broussaisia, Coprosma, Kadua, Diplopterygium, Cibotium, Sadleria, Vaccinium, Smilax, Astelia, Alyxia, Paspalum, Tibouchina, Rubus, Clidemia. Preserved_Specimen Locally common small to large trees, with M. p. var. glaberrima. Oppenheimer, H.L. 71018 Maui BISH 2010-07-13
68 Metrosideros polymorpha West Maui, Waihe'e Valley, back of valley along centrl ridge Aspect: NE. Vegetation: Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, Pipturus, Perrottetia, Sadleria, Miconia crenata, Cibotium, Cyanea scabra, Erragrostis Preserved_Specimen Scattered plants, very silvery, flat hairs on adaxial surface of young leaves. Pezzillo, Z. 80 Maui BISH 2022-11-17
69 Metrosideros polymorpha Lyon Arboretum Ethnobotany garden Preserved_Specimen Seedling C-5 Nagata, K.M. 2253 Oahu BISH 1981-03-18
70 Metrosideros polymorpha Pia Valley, East slope (facing West). Mid-slope between Pia valley and Kulepeamoa ridge. Along rocky trail. With Dodonaea viscosa, Sida falax, Eup Osteomeles anthyllidifolia and Wikstromea oahuense. Preserved_Specimen Small tree. Sligtly less imbricate than NW-2023-027 Walvoord, N. 2023033 Oahu BISH 2023-10-24
71 Metrosideros polymorpha West Maui, Waihe'e Valley, back of valley along central ridge Aspect: NE. Vegetation: Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, Pipturus, Perrottetia, Sadleria, Miconia crenata, Cibotium, Cyanea scabra, Erragrostis Preserved_Specimen Scattered plants, very silvery, flat hairs on adaxial surface of young leaves. Pezzillo, Z. 82 Maui BISH 2022-11-17
72 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Approximately 0.5 miles from Pihea trailhead. Montane wet forest. Dicranopteris linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros ploymorpha var. dieteri, Diplopterygium sp., Vaccinium calycinum, Coprosma sp., Korthalsella sp., Cheirodendron trigynum, Machaerina ang Preserved_Specimen Tree 2 m tall with obovate, glabrous leaves. Wolkis, D. 1109 Kauai BISH 2016-05-05
73 Metrosideros polymorpha Hawaiiloa Ridge Mesic shrubland. W/ Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Acacia koa, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Metrosideros polymorpha var incana. Preserved_Specimen Tree, 5 m tall, trunk gray-brown, rugged texture, lvs dark green above, white indument below. Wood, K.R. 13071 Oahu BISH 2008-06-01
74 Metrosideros polymorpha east Maui, Hana District, Kawaipapa drainage basin, common small trees in Lowland Wet Forest; vegetation: metrosideros, dicranopteris, cheirodendron, diplopterygium, broussaisia, vaccinium, melicope, clermontia, coprosma, kadua, cibotium psidium, tibouchina, clidemia, hedychium Preserved_Specimen flowers red Oppenheimer, H.L. 41310 Maui BISH 2013-04-11
75 Metrosideros polymorpha Piihonua, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 25 OS Stunted ohia wetland dieback; soil a moderately deep yet poorly drained organic found over a thin ash deposit on a pahoehoe flow. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha & Acacia koa on well drained hummocks; Ilex anomala, Myrsine lessertiana. Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1979-07-03
76 Metrosideros polymorpha Aiea In a large colony of good Metrosideros macropus. Dense ulu Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 2270 Oahu BISH 1985-08-07
77 Metrosideros polymorpha W Maui, Hanaula, head of Papalaua Gulch In decadent grazed area w/2 kinds of Metrosideros, this and a low scandent scrub form. Preserved_Specimen Medeiros, A.C. 538 Maui BISH 1983-09-27
78 Metrosideros polymorpha Pia Valley In middle of erroded washed-out area in valley bottom. With Microsorum grossum, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Pityrogramma austroamericana, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia. Preserved_Specimen Small tree or subshrub - 3m tall, branching at the base. Very imbricate leaves, 4 ranked, forming a very boxy branches. Red flowers and many immature green fruits, few ripe. Walvoord, N. 2023030 Oahu BISH 2023-10-24
79 Metrosideros polymorpha North Mauka of Lanail City Native shrubby forest Preserved_Specimen Flowers pale yellow Degener, O. 22195 Lanai BISH 1921-03-02
80 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District: Along Alakai swamp trail in first boggy part. Low wet native forest/bog. W/ Metrosideros polymorpha, Dicranopteris linearis, Scaevola glabra, Cheirodendron platyphyllum, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Hedychium gardnerianum, Coprosma ellipticum, Vaccinium calycinum, Viola kaua Preserved_Specimen Small stunted tree~2m tall with relatively brighter green leaves. Deans, S. 110 Kauai BISH 2013-03-18
81 Metrosideros polymorpha West Maui. Wailuku District. Waihee Valle, back of valley on south side of stream below Wall of Tears Vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha var. glaberrima, Cheirodendron, Coprosma, Perrottetia, Hydrangea, Diplazium, Cibotium, Sadleria, Wikstroemia, Clidemia, Tibouchina, Ageratina, Isachne, Plaius, Hymenophyllum, Elaphoglossum. Preserved_Specimen Occasional shrubby treas with red flowers Oppenheimer, H.L. 112211 Maui BISH 2022-11-17
82 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District: Alakai Wilderness Preserve. Bog W/ Dicranopteris linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Cheirodendron platyphyllum, Cibotium sp., Scaevola glabra, Coprosma elliptica Preserved_Specimen Tree 2.5 m tall with opposidte leaves. Flowers bright red. Wolkis, D. 1101 Kauai BISH 2016-03-18
83 Metrosideros polymorpha Aiea Ridge, Ewa district, Koolau Mts. Dicranopteris-Metrosideros-Acacia koa association Preserved_Specimen Tree 20 ft ht. Stamens dark red-orange Nagata, K.M. 1522 Oahu BISH 1978-01-24
84 Metrosideros polymorpha Kawaihau District. Moalepe Trail. Mixed mesic forest. W/ Dicranopteris linearis, Falcataria moluccana, Clidemia hirta Preserved_Specimen Large tree, about 35 feet tall. Walsh, S. 650 Kauai BISH 2018-11-09
85 Metrosideros polymorpha Waimea District. Alakai Plateau, USGS Bog or Sincock 4 Bog. Metrosideros - Oreoblus - Dicranopteris Bog w/ Carex, Vaccinium calycinum, Cibotium, Viola kauaensis var. kauaensis, Coprosam, elliptica, Cheirodendron, Dicranopteris, Drosera anglica, Lycopodium, Carex, Dichanthelium isachnoides, D. hillebrandian Preserved_Specimen Low growing 3 ft. tall. Bright light red flowers. Leaves and calyx with thick white pubescence. Caterpillar, common, glues two leaves together and forms a pocket. Emerges as a small 1 cm long orange and black moth. Tangalin, N. 3229 Kauai BISH 2012-07-20
86 Metrosideros polymorpha Kamokou Preserve, ridge between Kupai`a and Kaunakakai Gulches, East Moloka`i. Dry shrubland of native shrubs and both native and alien grasses. Preserved_Specimen Small tree with red flowers. Pratt, L.W. 1247 Molokai BISH 1982-05-30
87 Metrosideros polymorpha Hawaiiloa Ridge, below summit Metrosideros-Cheirodendron mixed wet forest. W/ Freycinetia, Kadua spp, Wikstroemia oahuensis, Machaerina angustifolia. Preserved_Specimen Tree, 7 m tall, thickly brancked, lvs with white or brown-white indument below. Wood, K.R. 13078 Oahu BISH 2008-06-01
88 Metrosideros polymorpha Head of the Wahiawa In & near bog. Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2738 Kauai BISH 1895-10-19
89 Metrosideros polymorpha Hanalei District. Northeast Alakai. Forest, bogs and drainages, Metrosideros-Cheirodendron montane wet forest, bogs and riparian habitats with Broussaisia arguta, Dubautia paleata, Labordia waialealae, L. pumila, Polyscias waialealae, Vaccinium calycinum, Pipturus ruber, Descampsia nubigena, Machaerina angustifolia, Melicope cluslifolia, Preserved_Specimen Tree, 1 meter tall, leaves dark green or with gray tinge, in flower, calyx with silver pubescence, in bogs, common. Wood, K.R. 17927 Kauai BISH 2018-08-15
90 Metrosideros polymorpha Hanalei District, Limahuli Valley. W side of ridge seperating Limahuli and Hanakapiai valleys, above waterfall Almost undisturbed low elevation rain forest. Predominantly Metrosideros, Antidesma, Cibotium, and Dicranopteris. Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 2668 Kauai BISH 1987-12-10
91 Metrosideros polymorpha Alakai, Lehua Makanoe Bog Metrosideros - Rhynchospora montane bog. Preserved_Specimen Shrub, 35 cm tall, in bog, lvs dark gray-green, common. Wood, K.R. 13137 Kauai BISH 2008-06-28
92 Metrosideros polymorpha Piihonua, Hilo Forest Reserve, Site 06 OS Stunted ohia wetland dieback; soil a shallow to moderately deep organic type found over a pahoehoe flow. There is some exposed pahoehoe, yet there is mostly water at the surface. Primary vegetation: Metrosideros polymorpha (occasionally pubescent). Preserved_Specimen Adee, K.T. Hawaii BISH 1979-06-11
93 Metrosideros polymorpha Hanalei District. On mauka side of Kalalau Trail. About 1 mile marker. On side of trail. No canopy. Mixed native and non-native plant species. W/ Scaevola taccada, Clidemia hirta, Pandanus tectorius, Cordyline fruticosa, Psidium guajava, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Schefflera actinophylla, Casuarina equisetifolia Preserved_Specimen Small tree, about 25 feet tall. In flower and fruit. Red blossoms. Walsh, S. 221 Kauai BISH 2016-03-31
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