Flora Of The Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Plant Life has been written with both the layperson and professional interested in Hawai‘i’s natural history and flora in mind. In addition to significant text describing landforms and vegetation, the evolution of Hawaiian flora, and the conservation of native species, the book includes almost 875 color photographs illustrating nearly two-thirds of native Hawaiian plant species as well as a concise description of each genus and species shown. The work can be used either as a stand-alone reference or as a companion to the two-volume Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i. Learning more about threatened and endangered plants is essential to conserving them, and there is no more endangered flora in the world today than that of the Hawaiian Islands. Striking species complexes such as the silverswords and the remarkable lobeliads represent unique stories of adaptive radiation that make the Hawai‘i a living laboratory for evolution. Public appreciation for Hawaiian biodiversity requires outreach and education that will determine the future conservation of this rich heritage, and Hawaiian Plant Life has been designed to help fill that need.

The Hawaiian islands, isolated by thousands of miles of ocean for millions of years, posses a unique assemblage of native flowers and plants. This text describes more than 130 indigenous and endemic species of Hawaiian plants, their characteristics and habitats, and how they came to be. The photographs aim to provide an easy and accurate means of recognizing a given plant and serve as a permanent record of the Hawaiian islands' fast-disappearing native flora.

An introduction to 20 plants of the Ancient Hawaiians. Includes illustrations, uses, proverbs, and poems.