Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Hawaiian Name 'Ohai Common Name None Scientific Name Sesbania tomentosa Pictures Keawe Whole Plant Leaves Leaves Flowers Leaves and Flowers Location On Campus  On campus this tree is found in between Keawe gym and the dorms. The tree and the shrub can both be found here.   Natural Habitat  This tree is found on all of the major Hawaiian Islands. It grows mainly on the coast. It also grows on lowland areas. Cultural Information  This plant is endemic to Hawai'i. This plant's flowers are used in the landscape, but is also used to make leis. This plant is endangered. Plant Description Stem: Woody stem Brown to gray in color Not climbing Leaves: Oval shaped leaves 19 leaflets Little hairs all over leaves Compound leaves Appear white or silver because of hairs Flowers: Red, orange, salmon in color Rarely ever found pure in yellow color About 2.5 centimeters long Fruit: Pods Brown in color 7.5 to 22.5 cm long Seeds: Located in the pods Pale, olive, or dark brown in color Seeds are 15 -17 mm long Pollinators: Bees observed in flowers Propagation/ Cultivation: Propagation by: Seeds Cuttings Interesting Facts: Endangered Part of the pea family Can be found as a shrub or tree Shrub and tree are similar except for height Web Site Links Hawaiian Native Plant Genera; Sesbania At this site you will be able to find the location of the 'ohai and some pictures of the plant. Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database: Sesbania tomentosa At this site you will find a short description of the plant, where it is located, propagation, and traditional uses. It will also show the picture of the 'ohai.   References Culliney, John L., and Koebele, Bruce P. A Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press, 1999.  Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database: Sesbania Tomentosa. 16 Sept. 2001. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources University of Hawai'i at Manoa. 12 Mar. 2003<http://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/ses-tome.htm> Krauss, Beatrice H. Plants in Hawaiian Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1993. Merin, Mark David. Hawaiian Coastal Plants and Scenic Shorelines. Honolulu: The Oriental Publishing Company, 1987. Stone, Charles P., and Pratt, Linda W. Hawai'i's Plants and Animals. Honolulu: Hawai'i Press, 1993. Wagner, Warren L., Herbst, Derral R. and Sohmer, S. H. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai'i. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, Bishop Museum Press, 1999. Return to Top

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