`Ohi`a   Metrosideros polymorpha

Family: Myrtaceae

Description:  `Ohi`a is a variable species, hence the species name, polymorpha meaning many shpaes. Usually a tree up to 30 ft tall in the landscape, this tree is relatively slow growing and takes well to pruning. The blossoms may be red, orange, or yellow and the foliage may range from a waxy green to a fuzzy gray with reddish new growth known as 'liko'.  `Ohi`a does best in mesic or wet environments and requires moderate water.  Full sun is fine. The variability of this species offers potential for a hedge or even a shrub variety, so be careful when purchasing an `Ohi`a. Insect pests include rose beetle and may defoliate young plants, but will soon grow out of it. Don't let ants host scale or aphids. `Ohi`a is one of the main canopy trees of the wet Hawaiian forest. There are other species of Metrosideros native throughout New Zealand and Australia. 

('Mamo' variety has an orange or salmon colored blossom)

('Lehua' variety has red blossoms, this tree is very old and 50 ft. tall)

(flower buds and 'liko' used in lei making)

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