‘Ōhi’a Lehua
Description: Depending on the environment this species can range from a shrub to a hundred foot tree. Tree has flowers that are usually yellow and sometimes red. Of all the ‘ohi’a species this one has the widest green leaf on it, earning its nickname “big foot”
ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):
Inoa(Name):
- Scientific – Metrosideros Polymorpha
- Hawaiian – ‘Ōhi’a Lehua
ʻOhana: Part of Myrtaceae family
Kūlana olakino(Status): Endemic
Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):
- The flower of this species is used as a medicine for childbirth. The young leaf buds can be used to treat muhe’e kea in babies.
Ways it was Used:
- Hard wood from this tree was used for kapa beaters, musical instruments, and gunwales and interior framework or canoes.
- It was also used for images, posts and rafters, fencing for temples and used in construction of luakahi heiau.
- The flowers were used in lei making and bowl making.
Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None
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