The Hawaiian islands are the most isolated land masses on earth. Volcanoes are still actively adding new land mass to these islands.

Hawaii is a paradise of tropical rainforests to dry alpine and almost every condition in between. In this setting we have a unique flora, unlike any other in the world.

The arrival of the Polynesians began the plant introduction that continues to this day.

Blessed with a mild climate, flowers in Hawaii bloom throughout the year.

Hawaii is full of "ALOHA", literally, "In the presence of the breath of life."


Here are some photographs by Douglas Peebles,
showing a variety of Hawaiian plants.
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Plumeria is the first flower usually that the visitor to Hawaii encounters in the form of a Lei. Plumeria is a very fragrant and long lasting flower and comes in various shades.

There are about 700 species of Ginger.
Ginger comes in many shades from yellow to delicate white, soft shell to deep red. There is also a great diversity of floral forms.

Floweing Vines in Hawaii present a very spectacular picture. An example is Passion Flower, of which there are more than 400 species and many bear edible fruit.

"Rose Apple" is an example of the many flowering trees in Hawaii.
It is about 30 feet tall wth 3 inch tufted yellowish blooms that appear in the spring.

"Protea" is the name derived from the Greek God 'Proteus,' who could assume many shapes.
These flowers bloom in the cooler elevations of Hawaii.
They are very often used in flower arrangements since the blossoms are very long lasting.

"Hibiscus" is the state flower of Hawaii and the official flower of the island of Oahu.
Its showy blossoms are a common feature of the Hawaiian landscape. There are very many Hibiscus species, but all are transient blooms that last only a single day. They vary in color from white, yellow, orange to red and a combination of colors inbetween.

"Anthurium" is a very popular plant in flower arrangements since the cut flowers last a very long time. There is a large number of Anthurium species. They vary greatly in shape and colors.

Hawaii has an important industry marketing Orchids. Orchids are especially abundant in rainforest habitat. They are best appreciated for the beauty of their flowers, which in many cases form fountains of color to please the viewer. There are 15,000 to 20,000 species of Orchids but only 3 species are endemic to Hawaii.

Pineapples are a major agricultural crop in Hawaii, and large fields of the stiff, greyish rosettes are a common sight. 2 years after planting the fruit can be harvested. Even though they are a fruit, they create magical fields of beautiful flowers.
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With this I am going to end:

Much like the scent of a flower,
aloha emenates from the heart.
Those who are centered in aloha
cannot help but shower unending
love and beauty on the world.
Robert James
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What beautiful images dear Inda!!!



What a beautiful post this is!



They have this butterfish in Hawii too, but I think they have it everywhere, it seems to get all around!



Love peace and pineapple grease, Teo

Teo's presence: Givnology forums, freeboards, tradigital music, Third Millennium Thinking, new media

May we have enough compassion so that people with solutions for us all can bring them to us without fear

Inda, thank you for this,
the images are so beautiful
and you are coming with ALOHA

Love,
Lilie

Mahalo (means 'thank you') Teo and Karima.
I always enjoy all the beautiful plants when I am in Hawaii.

As far as the Butterfish go Teo, they may prefer 'Coconut Grease.' I found a lot of it in Hawaii this time.
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Like seeds on the wind, let your
aloha find a home in every soul
you meet.
Robert James
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Just found this Plumeria while searching for a picture of Maui

Wow dear Inda, this is such a beautiful thread, such bright colors in these wonderful flowers. In this place it truly must feel like Paradise!

Mahalo! Thank you so much for sharing.

Much love, Margherita

What a delicate color!

To look at these pictures is a nice feeling, I can only imagine what it must be to be surrounded by them in reality!

Love, Margherita

Dear Margherita,
Thank you for adding boundless beauty and delicate color to this thread.

Hawaii is, indeed, a tapestry woven with an infinite variety of plants and flowers.

Aloha is all love
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I get high by all these flowers
reminding of the generosity and
the genious of God the All being

Aloha

Lilie

Oh, dear Inda, how incredibly gorgeous that little one, expressing such joy of life!
Oh, may all the little ones of the world have reason to smile like this!
Lord of Heavens show us the way to be only seeds of love.
This just moved me to tears.
Love, Margherita

Thank you Lilie and Margherita.
You are very kind.
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Hawaiian Saying

It is easy to love those most dear
to you. Compassion makes it possible for
you to love your larger family,
humanity.