This webpage is an illustrated directory of native plants found in and associated with Hawaiʻi’s lowland dry forests. It explains that many dry-forest plants occur nowhere else in the world and are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, wildfire, and poor land stewardship. The page introduces dozens of plants using their Hawaiian and scientific names, with links to individual profiles.
The individual plant profiles provide more detailed information about each plant’s appearance, habitat, drought adaptations, reproduction, conservation status, landscaping value, and cultural uses. For example, the profiles discuss the wind resistance and traditional uses of ʻaʻaliʻi, the seasonal leaf loss and canoe-building uses of wiliwili, and the rarity and lei use of ko‘oloa‘ula.
Native Dry Forest Plant Profile Exploration
Learners select plants from the “Meet the Plants” directory and compare their:
Students could select one plant to research, create a profile card, compare several dry-forest species, or identify plants during a visit to a garden or preserve.
