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Ohi'a Lehua Metrosideros Polymorpha Metrosideros = "heart of iron" (it is an excellent hardwood). Polymorpha = "many forms" (referring to it's numerous subspecies) |
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This is the most common native forest tree in the sanctuary and in Hawaii. The Lehua blossoms are sacred to Pele, the goddess of fire. According to the legend, she will envelop the people -who pick her favourite flower- with such heavy rain that they never find their way home. Hawaiians also believed that this tree was the earthly manifestation of their god of creation, Kane. Originally no commoner would dare to desecrate even a branch without first obtaining permission from the gods and village chiefs and even then only skilled craftsmen were allowed to carve the wood for temple images, enclosures and war gods. These carving ceremonies were religious rituals and involved barbaric elements. Many humans were sacrificed during ohia-carving and prayers, chants and taboos were uttered according to a strict order. Flowers are still given to mothers in labor to alleviate birthing pains. The native honeycreepers obtain nectar from the blossoms. |
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