Hawaiian Forest Plants

Hiking in the forests of Hawai'i offers many rewards. Walking along our mountain paths is an excellent form of healthy exercise. The scenic beauty of the Hawaiian landscape is spectacular and diverse, and there are many colorful, individual organisms that inhabit the forest environments.
Some people who walk the forest trails are concerned primarily with the challenge of climbing to the top of a peak or crossing the mountain range. These may be strong incentives for adventure, but many of us have additional interests in the surrounding plant life. We may want to know the local and scientific names of the various plants, as well as where they came from, how they got here, why they are where they are, and for what purposes they are (or were) used.
Many botanists prefer line drawings to photographs because such drawings can be more explicit in their presentation of botanical information. Positive identification, in fact, often requires very exacting inspection of floral parts along with coordinated referral to botanical "keys." However, this field guide is for the beginner who appreciates photography. Those who wish to pursue the interesting field of Hawaiian botany in greater depth can use the short bibliography at the end to aid you on your way. Have fun!