Scaevola sericea, naupaka (in the background), and Sesbania tomentosa, 'ohai (in the foreground), grow in coastal strand environments in sand. Most plants which grow in coastal strand regions are indigenous, like the naupapka, for they are usually dispersed by ocean drift. Photo by P. Millen.

'Ohai is rare and endangered endemic found in the Northwest Islands and all the main islands in coastal strand, dry shrubland, and dry forest environments. It has many forms, from low growing shrubs to medium trees, which cause some botanist to view it as a possible multi-species group. It has attractive silvery leaves with pea-shaped apricot to red colored flowers, which indicate its membership in the pea and bean family (Fabaceae). Photo by Charles Lamoureux is reprinted with permission.

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