Wiliwili
Wiliwili Tree was a common tree on Oahu until 2005 when the Erythrina gall wasp decimated nearly all susceptible Wiliwili trees. This occurred in only a 6 month period. Wiliwili trees are not common anymore and it is hard to find on Oahu.
Background Information
This is an endemic species once common at lower elevations on all the main islands. Ancient Hawaiians had many uses for the trees. Some things they made were fishnet floats, surfboards, leis. Today the tree is still used to make outrigger canoes.
Orange wiliwili flower on Kealia trail.
Yellow wiliwili flower on Kealia trail
Scientific name is Erythrina sandwicensis
Leaves of Wiliwili
Leaves dying, ready for bloom
Wiliwili Tree
Before flowering, the leaves die and blooming begins usually during the dry season. Mostly likely in August-September.
Na Pohaku o Hauwaine [June 2018]
Ho'omaluhia [December 2018]
Source:
- Hawaiian Plant Life, 102-103
- Native Plant Hawaii