Scientific name: Metrosideros polymorpha Lowland Wet Forest

©1996 Hawai'i Natural Heritage Program

Distribution:

Endemic (entirely restricted) to the Hawaiian archipelago. Currently found on the islands of Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, and Hawai'i generally above 1,000 feet, but extending up to 3,000 feet elevation. On O'ahu, found primarily in the Ko'olau Mountains, especially in the wet central summit area, extending down leeward flanks toward Honolulu and Wahiawa, but also on the wetter summit crest of the Wai'anae Mountains.

Biological significance:

'Ohi'a lowland wet forest is rich in biological diversity, and includes rare and endangered species of plants, birds, and insects. This forest type is the prime native forest bird habitat on O'ahu, including O'ahu 'Akepa, O'ahu Creeper, and 'I'iwi, however, only 'I'iwi have been seen within the last 15 years. Many rare plants are known from this forest type, on O'ahu this includes such species as a rare woody thistle (Hesperomannia arborescens), 'ohe'ohe (Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa), a rare species of ha'iwale (Cyrtandra subumbellata), and the rare ferns Doodia lyonii and Pteris lidgatei.

Historic/current uses:

'Ohi'a lowland wet forest today continues to provide some native plant material for ongoing practices such as hula (Hawaiian dance). The watershed value of this and other native forest types has been recognized, and watershed conservation laws prohibit taking of plants and unpermitted entry. Starting in the 1800s, stands of this forest type were converted to cattle ranching, and much of the lowest examples were entirely destroyed. Wholesale destruction of the forest led to replanting efforts and watershed protection laws in the early 1900s.

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