As the heavy volcanic soil, hot and humid tropical climate of the Hawaiian Islands provides perfect growing conditions for abundant vegetation, a number of tropical flowers were imported to Hawaii. These imported Hawaiian flower species, such as Plumeria, Orchids, Flamingo Flower and Bird of Paradise are commonly associated with the exotic beauty of the Hawaiian flower.
However, living in harmony with these "newcomers", several Hawaiian flower types are native on the islands and significant to their culture and ecosystem. Some hibiscus varieties, Heliconia and Ginger species are probably the most common types of these flowers, along with 3 types of native orchids.
From over 200 known species of hibiscus, there are only about 7 native to the islands, including the beautiful yellow hibiscus, Pua Aloalo, which has been the official state flower of Hawaii since 1988.
Heliconia, the slender and brilliantly colored Hawaiian flower, is the favourite of hummingbirds. Its species allow the long beaks of hummingbirds to enter and drink the nectar from the small flowers, surrounded by fleshy panicle. Gingers typically present much more rounded blooms as heliconia species and with their predominant hue of red, they are one of the most extensively used Hawaiian flower types in decorative exotic arrangements.
As native Orchids, such as the Jewel Orchid, the Twayblade, and the Fringed Orchid is considered relatively unremarkable in their appearance, they are not commonly used in Hawaiian flower arrangements. However, their exotic scent is widely used for creating the world famous Hawaiian flower perfumes. While Jewel orchids are the most common orchid species found in Hawaii and Tayable Orchids grow at higher altitudes on most islands of Hawaii, Fringed Orchids are unfortunately on the list of endangered species.
Although the Hawaiiian Jasmine, Pikake, is not native to Hawaii, it is commonly grown on the islands for landscaping purposes, as well as for lei and perfume production. The name of this Hawaiian flower is originated from the word of "peacock" named by a princess, who was fond both birds and this flower.
Historically Hawaiian people marked any important event in their life with leis. These Hawaiian flower garlands, has been made from various types of flowers, every one of them having a specific symbolic meaning and own legend.
However, living in harmony with these "newcomers", several Hawaiian flower types are native on the islands and significant to their culture and ecosystem. Some hibiscus varieties, Heliconia and Ginger species are probably the most common types of these flowers, along with 3 types of native orchids.
From over 200 known species of hibiscus, there are only about 7 native to the islands, including the beautiful yellow hibiscus, Pua Aloalo, which has been the official state flower of Hawaii since 1988.
Heliconia, the slender and brilliantly colored Hawaiian flower, is the favourite of hummingbirds. Its species allow the long beaks of hummingbirds to enter and drink the nectar from the small flowers, surrounded by fleshy panicle. Gingers typically present much more rounded blooms as heliconia species and with their predominant hue of red, they are one of the most extensively used Hawaiian flower types in decorative exotic arrangements.
As native Orchids, such as the Jewel Orchid, the Twayblade, and the Fringed Orchid is considered relatively unremarkable in their appearance, they are not commonly used in Hawaiian flower arrangements. However, their exotic scent is widely used for creating the world famous Hawaiian flower perfumes. While Jewel orchids are the most common orchid species found in Hawaii and Tayable Orchids grow at higher altitudes on most islands of Hawaii, Fringed Orchids are unfortunately on the list of endangered species.
Although the Hawaiiian Jasmine, Pikake, is not native to Hawaii, it is commonly grown on the islands for landscaping purposes, as well as for lei and perfume production. The name of this Hawaiian flower is originated from the word of "peacock" named by a princess, who was fond both birds and this flower.
Historically Hawaiian people marked any important event in their life with leis. These Hawaiian flower garlands, has been made from various types of flowers, every one of them having a specific symbolic meaning and own legend.