Tropical Rainforest Plants in Hawaii

Ohia Blossom

The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most remote areas of land in the world. More than 70 million years of isolation has helped create the unique plant life in the tropical rainforests of Hawaii.

The Layers of a Rainforest

There are four layers in a tropical rainforest. On the top are the tallest trees, or the emergent trees. Next is the canopy which shades the forest floor by blocking out the sun's light. The understory is made up of shrubs and young trees and the forest floor is where the fallen branches and leaves decompose to create nutrients for new plant life to grow.

Native Trees

The tropical rainforests of Hawaii are home to native Ohia'lehua and Koa trees, the latter much prized for its multi-hued wood patterns.

Plants and Flowers

The tropical rain forests are home to three varieties of orchids that are native to Hawaii as well as a number of mosses and ferns. Red Ginger is also a common find. The Ohia tree has its own red blossoms.

Warning

Due to the introduction of non-native plant species as well as land clearing for agricultural operations, Hawaii has lost nearly two-thirds of its native rainforests.

Fun Fact

In the United States, Hawaii is the only location that has a native, tropical rainforest.

References

• Hawaiian Rainforests National Geographic
• Tropical Rainforest Facts
• Tropical Rainforest Info World Wildlife Fund

Resources

• Red Ginger