When you visit a botanical garden, you’ll likely find a collection of native plants. These plants vary depending on the location of the garden—native plants in Hawaii, for example, look dramatically different from those that grow on the mainland. The horticultural specialists  from the botanical gardens at Waimea Valley offer the following guide to explain what native plants are and which ones you can find on Oahu.

What Are Native Plants?

Native plants can grow within an eco-system without human involvement.  An eco-system is perfectly calibrated to encourage the plants to thrive, and, in turn, these plants give sustenance to other wildlife. When native species are taken away or unable to grow, it affects all the other living organisms within that environment. This is one reason why it’s essential to conserve native plant populations on Oahu—it also helps to protect other wildlife. In Hawaii, 90% percent of native plants aren’t found anywhere else in the world. This illustrates the importance of preserving and respecting the natural landscape. 

What Species Are Native to Waimea Valley?

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a type of flowering plant ingrained in Hawaii culture. The yellow hibiscus, Hibiscus brackenridgei, is the state flower, and it can grow up to 30 feet tall—though most plants only reach about 3–15 feet. The yellow hibiscus (ma'o hau hele) blooms from spring through early summer. It’s an endangered species and difficult to find in the wild, but the Waimea Valley native collection has several healthy plants and an entire exhibit to showcase hibiscuses.

Pteridophytes

Waimea Valley is also known for native pteridophytes, which are more commonly known as ferns. In recent years, an Australian fern has threatened to take over the native species; in response, locals organize to plant native pteridophytes to help boost the population.

Erythrina

A member of the pea family, Erythrina flowers come in a dazzling array of colors, like red, white, yellow, and green. These flowers serve as a great source of food for native birds, including many varieties of hummingbirds. Erythrina seeds can travel great distances across the water thanks to their buoyancy—which is why seeds are nicknamed sea beans. 

Waimea Valley has a lot to offer visitors of Oahu and locals alike. Along with their botanical gardens, the Valley also hosts fun activities, like moonlit walks to the waterfall, and hosts educational stations throughout the Valley about the environment and culture of Hawaii. Call (808) 638-7766 to learn more about visiting. You can also visit the website to see more information about their native collection and Hānai 'Aina volunteer events.