Ohia
noun
- Common name of the lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha, usually referred to as "ohi'a lehua) and Malay Apple (Syzygium malaccense), two species of flowering trees found in the Pacific tropics
Usage
Ohia refers to the Hawaiian name given to two related trees of the Myrtle family.
In the United States, the most well-known of these two is the ohi'a lehua (often simply "lehua" or "ohi'a"), a flowering tree native to Hawaii. One of the most common trees found on the island of Hawaii, the flowers of the ohi'a lehua are usually red, but are occasionally spotted in shades of yellow and pink. The plant features in traditional Hawaiian mythology and medicine, and its blossom is recognized as the official flower of the island (Hawaii's state flower is the yellow hibiscus).
The other type of ohia is known commonly as the Malay or Mountain Apple. Native to regions of South-East Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia, it has since spread throughout the tropics. This type of ohia (as it is called in Hawaii) is distinguished by the round, reddish fruit it bears.
Origin
The word ohia is Hawaiian in origin. Its first known usage stems from the Hawaiian myth commonly known as "Pele's Revenge," in which the young man Ohi'a is transformed into a tree after spurning the goddess Pele. The word became a part of the English lexicon in the early 19th century.
In Literature
From Gary R. Varner's The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War
The gods and goddesses also lived within the trees of old Hawaii. The goddess of the ohia-lehua forest is one of those. The flower of the ohia tree is considered sacred and to pick it is forbidden unless proper invocations are said.
Here, the author is describing the mythical and spiritual meaning placed on Ohia tree. Something to keep in mind during your next Hawaiian vacation!
Mnemonic
- Oh, here are the red flowers of ohi'a!
Tags
Hawaii, Polynesia, Flowers
References
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: A Jewel of Hawai'i
Common Name: 'ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (oh-he ah lay-who-ah)
Scientific: Metrosideros polymorpha
Flower Name: Lehua (lay-who-ah)
Color Varieties: Red, Yellow, Orange, White
Habitat Range: Sea level to 9,000 ft
The 'ʻŌhiʻa Lehua tree, a symbol of the Hawaiian islands, is renowned for its versatility and beauty. It's prevalent throughout Hawai'i, with the 'ʻŌhiʻa often referring to the tree and Lehua to its stunning flower. The red Lehua blossom is notably the official flower of the Big Island.
This remarkable tree varies in size, ranging from imposing 60-foot giants to modest knee-high shrubs. The Lehua flowers are predominantly red, but they also bloom in yellow, salmon, pink, and white hues.
The 'ʻŌhiʻa wood, known for its durability, was historically used in furniture and flooring. The tree's leaves vary, with some being smooth and others hairy. These leaves are generally rounded, narrow, and quite stiff.
Many 'ʻŌhiʻa trees grow aerial roots that hang in the air, absorbing moisture. These trees adapt to diverse environments, thriving in both wet and dry areas from sea level to 7,000 ft elevations. Remarkably, the 'ʻŌhiʻa Lehua is often the first plant to colonize new lava fields, showcasing its resilience.
In Hawaiian Culture
The 'ʻŌhiʻa Lehua holds a special place in Hawaiian mythology and ancient medicine. It's believed that picking its flowers can summon rain. The bark and young red leaves were traditionally used in various medicinal remedies, highlighting the tree's importance in Hawaiian heritage.
Bring out the linguist in you! What is your own interpretation of ohia. Did you use ohia in a game? Provide an example sentence or a literary quote.