Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release October 30, 2013

ARBOR DAY PLANT SALE IS NOV. 1 AT PUA LOKE NURSERY
Event marks 45 years since first plant sale by DOFAW

Click to download a PDF of this news release

LIHU‘E – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) welcomes the Kaua‘i community to its annual plant sale in celebration of Hawai‘i’s Arbor Day, on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pua Loke Nursery, 4398D Pua Loke Road.

Since 1968, local floral enthusiasts and rare plant collectors look forward to the annual event, especially since DOFAW began offering federally listed threatened and endangered plants, native to Hawai‘i and used for the State’s conservation programs.

“Planting a native plant celebrates the forests that are fundamental to our way of life. Hawaii’s native forests provide the islands’ water supply by absorbing large quantities of moisture from passing clouds and rainfall,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

“These watershed forests reduce greenhouse gases and flooding, erosion, and siltation of reefs and fisheries. Native plants also have cultural significance, regarded as elders and ancestors, or used for medicines, offerings, or other material needs,” Aila added.

This year’s anniversary sale will feature several native hibiscus species that are rare and endemic to Kaua‘i and the Hawaiian Islands: for example, the delicate red flowered Koki‘o ‘ula (Hibiscus clayi) historically found in dry forests of Nounou and Anahola mountains; our state flower Ma‘o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei) known for its brilliant yellow blossoms, and a rare variety of Koki‘o ke‘o ke‘o (Hibiscus waimeae ssp hanarae) that grows in moist forests of Limahuli, Hanakapi‘ai and Kalihiwai.

Its fragrant white flower is notably smaller in size than its more common counterpart Hibiscus waimeae ssp waimeae that is endemic to Waimea Canyon, and also available for purchase. Another featured rare plant is ‘Ohai (Sesbania tomentosa) known for its salmon to scarlet colored butterfly-shaped flowers prized by lei-makers. This handsome shrub is ideal for use in xeriscaping because of its ability to tolerate drought like conditions. In the wild it can be found growing in coastal sand dunes.

Some of our more common native plants available for purchase include Loulu (Pritchardia minor) a native fan palm small in stature making it ideal as a backyard tree; low-elevation Koa (Acacia koa) favored for its beautiful hardwood and light green canopy; Wili Wili (Erythrina sandwicense) a native tree commonly found in lowland dry forests areas on the leeward side, its bright reddish-orange seeds can be strung into handsome lei. Native wetland sedge, Makaloa (Cyperus laevigatus), the coastal beach pea Nanea (Vigna marina), our Hawaiian cotton plant Ma‘o (Gossypium tomentosum) and an assortment of other native plants will be on sale as well.

Also featured are two important Hawaiian medicinal plants Noni (Morinda citrifolia) and Mamaki (Pipturus species).

In addition to encouraging the use of native species in home landscaping, DOFAW will offer two non-invasive exotic ornamentals cherished for their fragrant flowers used in lei making: Pua kenikeni (Fagraea berteroana) and the Tahitian gardenia Tiare (Gardenia taitensis), both local favorites.

This is a great opportunity for kama‘āina to support DOFAW’s programs on Kaua‘i and bring home plants to cultivate a native garden.

Prices begin at $3.00 and up, depending on size and species. For more information, please call 274-3433.

# # #

Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public information specialist
Phone (808) 587-0320