I will create habitat and nourish all those who need me
I will protect our watersheds for many years to come
I will nourish our culture as I have done for countless generations
Of all Hawaiʻi’s cherished plants, none is so revered as ʻōhiʻa (Hawaiian species of Metrosideros). ʻŌhiʻa assumes many forms, from towering trees to ankle-high dwarf shrubs that can be found growing in high elevation bogs. So many forms of life depend on this endemic tree, from nectar eating honeycreepers to epiphytic plants. The cultural significance of ʻōhiʻa is second to none. This beloved tree is a kinolau (physical manifestation) of Hawaiian deities Pele and Laka. Sadly, two newly described, distinct species of fungal pathogens have targeted ʻōhiʻa on multiple Hawaiian Islands. The pathogens cause Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) which both lead to tree mortality. Today, more than 175,000 acres on Hawaiʻi Island alone have been affected by ROD. NTBG and partners across Hawaiʻi are working to grow a brighter tomorrow for this irreplaceable plant.
9.6 million
ʻōhiʻa seeds are safely housed in our Conservation Seed Bank
500+
community members adopted an ʻōhiʻa across our Hawaiʻi gardens in the last year
1,100+
acres of ʻōhiʻa habitat are stewarded in our preserves
