ohia wood uses ohia wood uses

On display at the Kpahulu Visitor Center. To celebrate hia Lehua Dayevery year on April 25weve compiled a few things you need to know about this tropical tree. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. We are excited to offer a flitch to you. It is relatively slow growing. DECKING and FENCING. Handcrafted reclaimed Hawaiian Ohia wood flooring rescued from Re-use Hawaii. Other possible pathways include timber and wind. Photography by Tomas del Amo, Copyright 2000-2012. For instance, the flex of the ohia wood is different from the flex of the imported and invasive albizia. To evoke or inspire the Gods and enhance their storytelling, hula dancers traditionally wear lehua blossoms or buds in lei, headbands, around wrists and ankles. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for housing. The lightweight wood of buckeye was used in making artificial limbs before the introduction of lightweight, Space Age materials. Oil finishes tend to bring out the greens, reds, browns, etc. Aloha Woods is your premier source for all grades of Hawaiian grown Koa Wood on the Big Island of Hawaii. If youd like to learn more about our business, our inventory, or how we can help you transform your space, contact a member of our staff today at. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Sep 2, 2017 - Explore Haley Hinds-Baldwin's board "ohia posts" on Pinterest. And, indeed, there is a well-known Hawaiian story that tells the tale of their intertwined fates. Our boards are live edge and a few show crotch or light flame figure. 2019. Warm, rich colors set this wood apart. Host species and genera include the dominant tree genera in Hawai`i (hia) Oceania (. Questions? Specimens reaching 30m (98ft) high are on record. This beautiful Ohia wood has been kiln dried and surfaced on two sides. Looking for quality Hawaiian lumber products on the Big Island? Our exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff coupled with our vast selection of in-stock inventory make it easy for you to find exactly what you need for your next home or business renovation project. The light brown starburst pattern of this crosssection of ohia wood is NOT typical of trees infected with ROD. Leishman. Wae (spreaders) were made from the curved stilt roots of hia. Though the wood is generally considered difficult to work because of interlocked grain and high density, the amazingly high polish that can be obtained makes it well worth any extra effort. Lehua flowers and liko (young leaf buds) were used for lei and altar adornments. Warm, rich colors set this wood apart. Direct and indirect community effects of the invasive plant pathogen Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust) in eastern Australian rainforests. This tree was believed to be one manifestation of the major gods, Kane and Ku, and was therefore thought to have great mana (power). Preferred soils are acidic to neutral (pH 3.6-7.4) and either a Histosol, Mollisol, Podsol, Oxisol, Ultisol, or Alfisol. Plant Uses: Cultural significance Cut flower Fragrant Lei flower Medicinal Ornamental Specimen Woodworking Plant Dangers: No dangers Thus the Metrosideros polymorpha may be referred to correctly as a lehua tree, or as an hia lehua, or simply an hia.[4]. Metrosideros polymorpha may occur as a tall tree or a prostrate shrub, and everything in between. Unfortunately for Pele, hia had his eyes set on a woman named Lehua, who also happened to fancy hia. We have a wooden bridge made of this and used a minwax poly-utherethane and it peeled after a few months. To evoke or inspire the Gods and enhance their storytelling, hula dancers traditionally wear lehua blossoms or buds in lei headbands, around wrists and ankles. Grain/Texture: Grain is interlocked, with a medium uniform texture and moderate natural luster. Small pin holes may be present only in sapwood areas. Style W1R Any Size 4-10MM Width We specialize in over 25 species of air-dried local woods including Ohia, Mango, Monkey pod, and many more. ! Learn More Help Save The hia Trees Visit our Website I used VGDF for the first prototype. The disease is ravaging populations of the tree on Hawaii Island, and has resulted in a permanent ban on taking ohia lehua plants from the island. Will Ohia make good knife handle,if so what might be the best glue and finish to use? Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The wood was used to build houses and fences, create the seats and decks of their famous canoes, and burned as firewood. One of Hawaiis most iconic tree, the hia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is steeped in the Islands history. Vocabulary: Ecosystem: A complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitats, and residents of an . The plant can be found growing in dry and wet environments from sea level to heights above 5,000 feet as a shrub, a towering tree or even an epiphyte living off other trees. Nowhere is that more apparent than in areas that have been covered by recent lava flows; the hia tree tends to be one of the first plants to colonize these dry, obsidian lava rock habitats. Culture: Yellow buckeye prefers full to partial sun and deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Check it Out. Ohia is used for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and the native Hawaiians used it even for tools. Used for heating. p. var. Loope. Employment, Hearne Hardwoods Inc. Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Wood is a better insulator than most equipment because of its nature. The stomata of the leaves are able to close up in the presence of harmful gases, which gives it an advantage over many non-native trees. [1] On moist, deep soils, hia grows to 2025m (6682ft) high. The best woods for turning include Maple, Ash, Cedar, African mahogany, and Hickory. Sometimes trunks up to 12 feet long recline to form roots where they touch the ground. If youd like to transform your home or business with gorgeous Hawaiian hardwood, contact us today to learn about our domestic and international shipping options. 'Metrosideros polymorpha (hia lehua)', This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 17:10. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [13] Throughout Oceania, there are many similar-sounding words that were also derived from the same ancestral protoform and, in most cases, they are names for the "mountain apple", or "Malay apple" tree, Syzygium malaccense. Produced prior to 1822. In a sort of compromise, they decided the lovers should be forever united and so transformed Lehua into an adornment on the Ohia tree, the lehua blossom. 4. The color of Ohia Lehua ranges from light brown to redish in color. At the 2016 Merrie Monarch Festival, for the first time in its more than half-a-century history, many hula halau (hula schools) opted to forgo traditional lei and adornments from the ohia lehua tree in order to stem the spread of a blight known as Rapid Ohia Death (ROD). There are knots and inclusions present in this piece, please see pictures. Be ready to describe exactly where you saw the tree. Prices are in the mid range for an imported tropical hardwood. For flooring, it is seen on Oahu mostly in luxury real estate. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Ohia Poles-Hardwoods Hawaii (808) 939-7218 Also Known As. [14] Other versions say that Pele felt remorseful but was unable to reverse the change, so she turned Lehua into a flower herself. However, all woods produce fine dust when worked, which in turn can damage your lungs and cause a number of other adverse health reactions. In this way, hia help start the forest and grow with it, with the potential to top out at 100 feet tall and nearly 1,000 years of age, the keystone species of Hawaiian rainforested mountaintops. ecosystems. One principal pathway of introduction is imports of infected plants or plant parts. SEE ALSO:5 Pretty Ways to Wear Your hia Lehua Love on Your Sleeve, An apapane, a Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, in an hia lehua tree at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.Photo: Getty Images/Gerald Corsi. dieteri M. p. var. The specific links on this site are affiliate links (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) and help support the site at no extra cost to you. Forest Pathology 48(1): 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12378, Toome-Heller, M. W.W.H. Hawaiians have an abundance of words for rain, and severallike Ka ua lu lehua o Panaewa (lehua-shedding rain of Panaewa) and Ka ua Noelehua o Waialeale (the misty lehua rain of Waialeale)incorporate the word lehua. All rights reserved. They are found in the tropical areas of the Hawaiian islands. pumila M. p. var. All Rights Reserved. The hia lehua flower is mentioned in many Hawaiian moolelo; one of the more significant legends tells of its creation. As monkeypod trees tend to have large trunks, they're also a preferred wood for furniture. Proudly created with Wix.com. Does anyone have any experience in putting a Varnish on this wood? [4], The derivation of the word lehua is more obscure, and while there are many opinions regarding its origin, there has been, to date, no historical linguistic study of the word to provide convincing evidence for any particular etymology. Lehua then asked the other gods to intervene, and in a compromise, they decided to transform Lehua into a beautiful flower that would adorn the hia tree, so the lovers could stay together forever. polymorphaM. It was first described on guava ( Psidium pomiferum) in Brazil in 1884 (Loope and La Rosa 2008). This dense and beautiful Hawaiian hardwood takes a wonderfully high polish! The pandemic biotype introduced to Oceania, Asia and the Pacific, including Hawai`i, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Florida. Aloha Woods is a locally owned and operated supplier of high quality flooring and lumber serving the Big Island in Hawaii and everywhere else in the United States. Open wounds on hia are entry points for the microscopic fungal pathogens. Medeiros, A.C., C.F. Code of Federal Regulations. Dominant in cloud forests above 400m (1,300ft), the tree is also common in seasonally wet forests, where it may be dominant or form mixtures with the native Acacia koa. The ohia wood rafters in the sanctuary of the Mokauikaua Church in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, have been sheltering worshipers since 1837, when King Kamehameha II gave Hawaii's first Christian missionaries his blessing to build the structure just a stone's throw from the ocean. Im not sure about this wood specifically, but if your bridge is outside, I wood recommend an oil based spar-urethane, like Miniwax Helmsman. I imagine varnish and other treatments would find it hard to adhere to this wood. Whether you're a barbecuer or a griller; whether you cook on a grill or smoker, over charcoal or propane, hardwood chunks will make your food taste better. Ohia trees grow to heights of 60-100 ft. with diameters of 2-3 ft.;some can reach as large as 4 ft. in diameter. 0 inches in diameter. Custom Sculpture in Koa and Ohia Woods rightanglewoodcrafts (277) $200.00 FREE shipping Hawaiian Apapane and Ohia Lehua Dangle Earrings - Solid Koa Wood - Handmade in Hawaii VolcanoGallery (378) $25.00 Ohi'a Lehua Blossom Earrings in deep baltic birch IslandInfusions (13) $10.00 FREE shipping Specific gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .70, .91. TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series 4. Beautiful ribbon figure is common in this species. 2018. [11] By May 2018, infected hia trees were found on the island of Kauai, prompting requests that members of the public limit transportation of hia products within the island. We are excited to offer a flitch to you. We are fortunate here, on Oahu, to have many beautifully designed and Historically Significant Homes, for sale and otherwise. Business Hours Ohia posts and flooring impart a distinctly Hawaiian and tropical character to any Oahu home. Used as insulation. The Hpuu (Cibotium menziesii) or Hawaiian tree fern is very common on the Hawaiian islands and can grow up to heights of 40 ft (12 meters).This fern is what gives many places on Hawaii such a distinct "Jurassic park" feel.The ferns are native to Hawai'i and can most easily be spotted at the windward (east) side of al Hawaiian islands at elevations between 1000 to 6000 ft (300 to 1800 . Ohia also has a rather large movement in service, as evidenced by its high shrinkage values. In various stories, the plant is a kinolau, or physical manifestation, of several Hawaiian gods and goddesses including Ku, Hiiaka, Kane, Kapo as well as, some say, Laka, the goddess of hula. Look for them at the Merrie Monarch, televised in March. Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, and turned objects. In a fit of jealousy, Pele transformed hian into a tree. Beautiful ribbon figure is common in this species. The IUCN Red list already includes 338 species in the family before determining impacts of the rust (CABI), The Myrtaceae family is particularly prominent in Australia, New Zealand, and other forested areas associated with the former supercontinent of Gondwanaland. 2014. Rainfall of 1,0003,000mm (39118in) per year is favored, but hia can grow in dry forests that receive as little as 400mm (16in) or bogs that get more than 10,000mm (390in) of rain. The hardy native ohia lehua is one of the first plants to recolonize otherwise barren lands blanketed in lava, and perhaps because of its ability to thrive in Peles creations or perhaps because of its ashy bark and explosion of blooms that come in bright and fiery orange, yellow, pink and redmany associate the plant with the Hawaiian fire goddess. Alien grasses such as meadow ricegrass (Ehrharta stipoides) may form an understory that prevents or inhibits natural regeneration of the forests. Bow Woods (from a mathematical perspective), Four Common Finishing Mistakes (and how to avoid them). Ohia is the Hawaiian name for species in the genus Metrosideros. The flowers of the Ohia tree are typically bright red, and are large and tufted. At high elevations, and in areas with poor soils or little rainfall, shrub forms are the norm. Dont transport hia wood interisland and dont move hia wood or vegetation, especially from areas known to have ROD. The flowers appear in clusters on the terminal ends of the branches. Wood is a good source of energy when used with fuel. All rights reserved. [1] The flowers were used medicinally to treat pain experienced during childbirth. [10] While hia itself remains extremely abundant, some species that depend on it such as the akekee (Loxops caeruleirostris) and longhorn beetles in the genus Plagithmysus have become endangered due to shrinkage of forest areas. Several cultivars of M. excelsa, the pohutukawa tree of New Zealand, have been sometimes planted as ornamentals in Hawaii but are not reported to have naturalized. It has this ability due to the air pocket within its air structure. This is in large part thanks to the trees superior capacity for extending its root system deep into lava rock crevices, and its capability to close its stomata, or breathing pores, which helps to block toxic volcanic gases that can be blown their way. The loss of the tree would be catastrophic not only to native forests, but also to Hawaiian tradition and storytelling. (Photo by JB Friday) At Aloha Woods, we proudly ship our high quality hardwood products and supplies everywhere in the United States. YVONNE JARAMILLO AHEARN (B) - Oahu Real Estate. Understanding that she could not have Ohia, furious Pele transformed him into into a gnarly, twisted tree. (2), A possible cause of the sacredness attributed to the hia lehuamay have been the redness of the wood, which when freshly cut has an appearance strickingly like that of raw meat, thus reinforcing the idea of life and possibly correlating with human sacrifice, which in special cases preceded the carving of an image. The trunk varies in form. Softwoods Soft woods burn very fast, which can be tempting to use when starting a fire, but they also create a lot of smoke - smoke inhalation is not good for anyone, so we . We also carry many exotic woods from around the world, such as Bloodwood, Ebony, Wenge, Purpleheart, Padauk, Cocobolo, and Zebrawood. Beyond the legend, ohia lehua has had many uses for native Hawaiians. Our airdried local lumber inventory is ideal for your home or business renovation or new construction needs. The leaves are heart-shaped and round, from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. 6 to 9. Metrosideros polymorpha forests in Hawaii have been invaded by myriad alien species. P (fencing) was made from the wood due to its availability; kauila (Colubrina oppositifolia or Alphitonia ponderosa), more durable woods when in contact with soil, was rarer. hia branches are used to create traditionalklaau, or dancing sticks, and branchesbearing both woody parts and flowers to symbolize the male and female elements adornkuahu(altars) when hula students are in training. Carnegie, M.R. Some are killed, others survive; some hosts support spread of the infection. Pearson, B.J.R. 7 CFR319.37: Nursery stock, plants, roots, bulbs, seeds, and other plant products prohibitions and restrictions on importation: disposal of articles refused importation. The fungus was first noticed in Puna in 2010. All information on this site is believed to be reliable but is expressly not guaranteed. Humidity and the cure of the wood has everything to do with a good finish. As such, the abundant plant had many uses for early Hawaiians: Ohia's sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues; its leaves were used as a medicinal tea; and its flowers and its seeds fed native birds like the apapane and the now-extinct mamo, whose How do you pronounce ohia wood? Terms The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools. These trees are known to attain great height, and can grow as tall as 40-60 feet (12-18 meters). We specialize in over 25 species of air-dried local woods including Ohia, Mango, Monkey pod, and many more. This beautiful Ohia wood has been kiln dried and surfaced on two sides. Scientific Name: Metrosideros spp. Unfortunately for Pele, Lehua liked Ohia in return. A very hardy versatile tree that is said to be the first to grow after the lava flow . Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. (1) Hawaiian Ohia, Metrosideros spp., is a Hawaiian hardwood that can also be called Pacific Rosewood. 2020. It is a highly variable tree, being 2025m (6682ft) tall in favorable situations, and a much smaller prostrate shrub when growing in boggy soils or directly on basalt. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for. TWP 1500 Series . . The meandering, curvy dark stains in these crosssectional pieces of ohia wood are NOT typical of ROD infected trees. The bodys milled on a ShopBot and the fret board is engraved & cut on a . Many . As such, the abundant plant had many uses for early Hawaiians:Ohias sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues; its leaves were used as a medicinal tea; and its flowers and its seeds fed native birds like the apapane and the now-extinct mamo, whose prized feathersin colors similar to lehua blossomswere also important adornments in hula and other ceremonies. Typically, halau collect their adornments from the forest and return them after the competition. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off vehicles after driving near hia forests. Of the woods used for religious figures, especially the temple images, the wood from the hia tree was the most important. Berthon, A.J. [5], The reddish brown heartwood of M. polymorpha is very hard, fine textured, and has a specific gravity of 0.7. Once there was an attractive man named Ohia, and Pele liked him. Dont live in the state of Hawaii? These trees are celebrated in chant, song, dance, ceremony, and more by the Hawaiian people. 808-329-5189. sales@alohawoods.com . The trees are in the myrtle family, related to guava and eucalyptus. Currently held inthe collections of the British Museum. Metrosideros kermadecensis, from the Kermadec Islands north of New Zealand, has recently become naturalized on Maui and may become a pest species. 2019. See above for USDA hardiness. It is one of the few honey plants native to Hawaii, and the honey made from its flowers has a subtle floral taste. Produced prior to 1822. (808) 329-5189! Coring, sanding, splitting, notching, and otherservices available. Four biotypes are known. For more information on our Hawaiian wood products, reach out to a member of the Aloha Woods team today. Step 5 Leishman. Thus, ecologically and culturally, hia stands as one of the most vitally important trees of Hawaiian forests. Upgrade your flooring with our huge selection of stunning local Hawaiian hardwood flooring options. Call us for aquote, we look forward to hearing about your project. Alexander. Lehua begged for the spell to be reversed, but Pele was spiteful and refused. Lumber; Plywood; Ohia Posts; Flooring; Shipping; Specialty and Supplies; Contact; Get in touch. [citation needed], In Hawaiian mythology, hia and Lehua were two young lovers. There is much more wood in our warehouse than on our website. Meanings for ohia It refers to a flowering plant species that is mostly grown in Hawaii. Ohia posts and poles are sold based on bottom diameters. With over 100 species of domestic and exotic hardwood lumber in stock, Hearne Hardwoods is one of the largest specialty lumberyards in the world. This chart simply lists specific woods that can aggravate symptoms through allergic reactions, or woods that are outright toxic in and of themselves. Ohi'a 'ai trees (scientific name Syzygium malaccense) were brought to the islands by Polynesian settlers from Malaysia. In a fit of rage, Pele transformed hia into an ugly, gnarled tree, and while Lehua tried to convince Pele to change him back, she refused. In this article, we have reviewed some of the very best wood varnishes that we believe would do a great job when it comes to finishing your wooden structures. Comments: Ohia is a very common species in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are home to five species of Metrosideros that are endemic to the islands, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 20 Thoughts Every Hiker has had on the Trail Up Koko Head Crater, Shop These 5 Sophisticated Aloha Shirt Brands, The Enduring Nostalgia of Hawaii's Historic Drive-In Restaurants, Find Solitude and Serenity at the Waipio Wayside Bed and Breakfast, 5 Things to Consider When Renting a Home in Hawaii, Stix Asia Food Hall Brings 17 New Asian Restaurants to Waikk. Carnegie, G.S. Austropuccinia psidiion the move: survey based insights to its geographical distribution, host species, impacts and management in Australia. We stock a premium selection of specialty hardwood options as well as the supplies you need to tackle any home or business construction project.