ʻOhai

'Ohai

When I worked at Pearl City High School, Ed would take a huge group to Kaena Point. We outplanted about 50-100 'Ohai plants every year. I think they've been doing this for 5 years now. I always get Ohai confused with 'Akoko. 

Background Information

'Ohai is not common on Oahu and usually grows near the shoreline. Kaena point probably has the most 'Ohai and I seen 2 plants at Alan Davis. 'Ohai can grow in low elevations, but I've only seen it in cultivation. In Ancient Hawaii, it was used for lei making because it produces this pretty red flower. 

Ohai | Native Hawaiian Plant

'Ohai 

There is only species of 'Ohai. It is called Sesbania tomentosa. Although shrublike, it can grow into a tree. Ohai is federally listed as endangered. The leaves have difference shades of color making it difficult to identify.

Ohai | Native Hawaiian Plant

Alan Davis, 2018

Ohai | Native Hawaiian Plant | Flowering

Flower

Ohai | Native Hawaiian Plant

Kaena Point

Sources

Michelle found this bright red flower Ohai at Waihe'e Coastal Dunes on Maui