LIHU‘E — Celebrate Arbor Day in Hawai‘i and “go green” by purchasing and planting a native plant from the Arbor Day plant sale from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division
LIHU‘E — Celebrate Arbor Day in Hawai‘i and “go green” by purchasing and planting a native plant from the Arbor Day plant sale from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife Pua Loke nursery, 4398-D Pua Loke St., Lihu‘e.
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, a state news release says.
This year’s sale will feature a diverse array of Kaua‘i’s botanical gems, such as Ma‘o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei), Aloalo (Hibiscus clayi), Hau kuahiwi (Hibiscadelphus distans), Uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiensis), and Loulu (Pritchardia remota). All of these species are endemic to Hawai‘i, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world, and will bear a numbered tag for authenticity.
Arbor day sale attendees will also find more common native plants available, including the indigenous tree Wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis), and the native white hibiscus Koki‘o ke‘o ke‘o (Hibiscus waimeae subspecies waimeae) as well as the canoe plant Noni, valued for its medicinal qualities, the release says.
In addition to encouraging the use of native species in home landscaping, DOFAW will offer Puakenikeni (Fagraea berteroana), a non-invasive exotic ornamental cherished for its fragrant flowers used for lei making.
This is a great opportunity for gardeners to support DOFAW’s programs on Kaua‘i, as well as bring home plants to cultivate a native garden, the release says.
Prices range from $3 to $15, depending on the species and size. For more information, call 274-3433.
