Metrosideros polymorpha -- 'Ohia Lehua

Metrosideros polymorpha, or 'ohi'a, along with sandalwood and koa, is a major component of the original native forests of Hawai'i. It is a nectar source for the honeycreeper birds.

In its scientific name, polymorpha, refers to the great variability within the species; the differing sizes of the mature plant (from dwarfed shrub to massive forest tree), leaf characteristics, and flower colors. Photo below by Priscilla Millen.

The large tree on the left, below, and the shrub on the right, demonstrate the different growth forms found in different environments. Wet forests produce trees, while dry lava beds will only support shrubs. Photos by Dave Boynton are reprinted with permission.
The leaves of Metrosideros polymopha differ in color and shape with different plants. On the left, the 'ohi'a has broad leaves in both green and red. The plant on the right has greenish white, cup-shaped leaves. Photos are by Priscilla Millen.

On the left is another variety within the species Metrosideras polymorpha. 'Ohi'a maka noe, loosely translated, 'ohi'a that looks at the mist, is one of the smallest of the 'ohi'a. It is found in bogs on O'ahu and Kaua'i. It is shrub-like, seldom growing to more than a few feet high. Bog environments, which have little oxygen and acid soils, tend to miniturize otherwise large plants. Photo by Marilyn Bauer.

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