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HAWAIIAN FLOWERS
_By_
LORAINE E. KUCK
_and_
RICHARD C. TONGG
_Illustrated by_
TED MUNDORFF
TONGG PUBLISHING COMPANY, HONOLULU
1943
By the same authors
THE TROPICAL GARDEN
Its design, horticulture and plant materials.
_Copyright 1943
By Loraine E. Kuck and Richard C. Tongg
All rights reserved.
Printed in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A._
Preface
The working title of this book during its preparation was that question
so often on the lips of tourists in Hawaii,
"What flower is that?"
Had there still been tourists in Honolulu, it is likely that that name
would have been used on the cover, for the book is designed to help
answer it. Now that the islands are filled with visitors intent on more
serious business than pleasure, it has seemed best to call it simply
"Hawaiian Flowers." It is published at this time in the hope that some
of these visitors may find in it an hour's escape from the strain and
pressure of war. For, in spite of war, the flowers still bloom in
Honolulu, often right over the bomb shelters that fill gardens and
parks.
In using the book to help identify the island flowers, it is hoped that
the color plates and descriptions together, will make it fairly easy for
the layman. Persons interested in more serious study will know how to go
to more technical works for information. Care has been taken to have
each name accurate to aid those going to the accepted authorities.
In making the color plates the attempt has been made to have them both
artistic and scientific, a difficult undertaking under any
circumstances. In striving to present pictures of individual flowers so
they may be identified, it has been necessary, at times, to sacrifice
the gorgeous effects presented in nature by masses of these flowers;
such, for instance, as is seen on the Shower trees. The writers wish to
take this opportunity to thank Ted Mundorff, the artist, for his trouble
in making the reproductions as accurate as possible.
They wish, also, to express appreciation to Mr. Edward L. Caum, botanist
with the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Experiment Station, for reading the
manuscript and checking the botanical information it contains. Mrs.
Arthur Silverman, in the Library of Hawaii, has been most helpful in
looking up obscure references.
Works consulted in preparing the book include Rock's "Ornamental Trees
of Hawaii," and his "Indigenous Trees of Hawaii"; Marie Neal's book, "In
Honolulu Gardens" and Bailey's Cyclopedia of Horticulture.
Honolulu, 1943
Contents
PAGE
_Introduction_
Where to See Hawaiian Flowers 11
_Chapter I_
Hawaii's Own Flower, The Hibiscus 17
_Chapter II_
The Blossoming Trees 23
_Chapter III_
Native Trees 39
_Chapter IV_
Tropical Shrubs 47
_Chapter V_
Colored Foliage Shrubs 65
_Chapter VI_
Flowering Vines 71
_Chapter VII_
Ginger Blossoms 87
_Chapter VIII_
Special Tropical Flowers 93
Index 103
List of Illustrations
OPPOSITE PAGE
_Plate I_
Hibiscus 16
_Plate II_
Flowering Trees 16
_Plate III_
Flowering Trees 16
_Plate IV_
Flowering Trees 16
_Plate V_
Native Trees 48
_Plate VI_
Tropical Shrubs 48
_Plate VII_
Tropical Shrubs 48
_Plate VIII_
Tropical Shrubs 48
_Plate IX_
Tropical Shrubs 64
_Plate X_
Colored Foliage Shrubs 64
_Plate XI_
Flowering Vines 64
_Plate XII_
Flowering Vines 64
_Plate XIII_
Flowering Vines 80
_Plate XIV_
Ginger Blossoms 80
_Plate XV_
Special Tropical Flowers 80
_Plate XVI_
Special Tropical Flowers 80
Introduction
WHERE TO SEE HAWAIIAN FLOWERS?
If you are already in Hawaii, this question will seem purely rhetorical,
since the answer is so obviously, "Anywhere." There are few places
indeed, in the islands, where flowers of some sort are not in sight.
Mostly, of course, these are the Hibiscus, but you will soon notice
others and the quest for new ones is apt to develop into a full-sized
hobby. For the benefit of newcomers, a few of the gardens, parks and
drives where you will find many Hawaiian trees and flowers are given
here. By the time you have covered these places, you will know how to go
on by yourself.
ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL GARDEN
Few finer, tropical gardens can be found in the Islands than the one
which forms a setting for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel at Waikiki. Not only
does it contain a very large assortment of trees, shrubs and special
tropical plants, many of them rare, but it has been laid out to make the
very most of the charm inherent in the words "tropical garden." There
are cool, green, jungle depths, gorgeous blossoms and wide shady lawns,
all beautifully maintained.
To see these gardens it is best to start at the hotel steps, facing the
coconut grove. This particular group of palms probably contains the
oldest ones in Honolulu, some of the tallest, slender trees being
estimated at well over a hundred years in age. Hawaiian kings kept their
surf boards in the shade of these trees. In the early days, indeed, they
were almost the only trees of any kind in the city. Old pictures show a
dusty, sun-baked expanse between Honolulu harbor and Waikiki, with this
grove standing up conspicuously. The luxuriant green growth of gardens
which now mantles Honolulu is something comparatively recent in its
existence, the result of a water system and an interest in gardens.
Near the steps and terrace of the hotel you will find plants with
colored foliage including Crotons, red-leaved Tis and the Beefsteak
plant. The fountain is surrounded with Lauae fern (_Polypodium
phymatodes_) and near it grow the heart-shaped leaves of Caladiums and
A'pes, (pronounced ah-pays). This is the Hawaiian word for various
plants of the Taro family.
To the left of the fountain stands a magnificent specimen of a Monkeypod
tree, throwing out its giant branches over a wide expanse of lawn.
Beyond it is a Bengal banyan, (_Ficus bengalensis_), with bunches of
aerial roots dangling from the branches. When they touch the ground they
develop into secondary trunks.
The arbor is covered with Crimson Lake Bougainvillea. In the plantings
around it you can find the shrubs illustrated on Plate VI, for the
flowers pictured on it were gathered at this spot.
Further along, to the right, is a Pink and White Shower tree, a Golden
Shower and an Octopus tree. The latter, (_Brassaia actinophylla_), can
be identified by its radiating, octopus-like arms, covered with dark red
buds or blossoms. There is also a Hala or Pandanus in this area.
Walking across the lawn and turning left, you pass the thick border of
Oleander and Hibiscus shrubs which screen out the street. In this
section may be found a Royal Poinciana, a Potato tree, a Kukui and some
Breadfruit trees, (_Artocarpus incisa_). You can tell the latter by
their very large, deeply lobed, oblong leaves, and the rough, round,
green fruit, about the size of a muskmelon, which grows on the ends of
the branches. This fruit, when baked, tastes something like a sweet
potato. Here is also a Pomegranate tree and beyond are Bananas.
Turning again to the left you enter the real tropical garden, a cool,
green, jungle under the second coconut grove. Some of the trunks of
these palms are enwrapped in the great green and gold leaves of the
Pothos or Philodendron vine. Growing under the tall palms are lesser
ones, along with bamboos and tree ferns. The latter have soft, fibrous,
brown trunks with three or four very large, typical, fern-leaves growing
out of the top. The paths hereabouts are bordered with more of the Lauae
fern and with Begonias and Anthuriums, while green and red Ti plants and
A'pes fill in the background. If you keep somewhat to the left, you
approach the hotel building again, where you will find the Torch Gingers
and Red Gingers serving as a base planting.
As you pass beyond the building you can see a Tiger's Claw tree and over
to the right, near the road, a Plumeria. Planted around here are Spider
Lilies and Shell Gingers. Near the side door of the hotel are Tecomarias
or Cape Honeysuckle, and nearby is a glowing African Tulip tree.
The wide grassy cove that fills the curve of the building beyond is
bordered by a very fine collection of Hibiscus. Trees in this area
include the Yellow Poinciana, more Shower trees and, across the lawn, an
old specimen of the Papaya. This has a smooth trunk marked by the leaf
scars. The leaves grow out stiffly, on long stems, near the top. The
fruit grows directly out of the main trunk.
If you cross the driveway and follow the walk, starting near the
entrance, that leads to the tennis courts, you will pass a different
assortment of trees and shrubs, those that like sun and not too much
water. Date palms have thick, grey-green fronds and rough, stubby
trunks. There are pink Plumerias, a Chinese Rice Flower tree, a Milo and
Be-still trees. Near the tennis court is a Jacaranda and some Lime
trees, and at the very end are both purple and white flowering Orchid
trees. Near the Sports Office you can find Jatropha shrubs, the
Caricature plant and the red and yellow Pride of Barbadoes.
Returning to the hotel you pass one of the most common trees in the
island, the Kiawe or Algaroba, (_Prosopis chilensis_). It is a
spreading, light-foliaged tree, often twisted picturesquely. It has
fine, bipinnate leaves, small spikes of tiny, yellow flowers and yellow,
bean-like pods. These trees now cover large areas of the island,
although the seed of the original tree was brought here in 1828 by the
Catholic missionary, Father Bachelot. They are natives of tropical
America.
Bordering the drive at the rear of the hotel you can find the Lobster
Claw, (_Heliconia_), and a specimen of the Kou tree. Growing on the
large old Monkeypod trees that shade the motor turn-around are examples
of the curious Staghorn fern.
DRIVING FROM WAIKIKI TO TOWN
The ride from Waikiki to the center of Honolulu provides an opportunity
to see many more trees and flowers. If you go by the Ala Moana, you pass
by Moana Park bordering the shore. It holds a building, with a large
inclosed court, where the Flower Shows usually take place, and where the
Park Board has its office.
If you go by way of Kalakaua avenue and King street, you will be
interested in knowing that the line of trees growing in the parkway down
the middle of Kalakaua for some blocks before reaching King, are
Mahogany trees. At the corner of King and Keeaumoku is a park-like
square with some fine, very old trees, including some of the Kapok,
(_Ceiba pentandra_) which produces the kapok floss of commerce. This has
huge surface roots, almost like flying buttresses. The building in this
square is the office of the Territorial Board of Agriculture and
Forestry.
A few blocks farther down King street is Thomas Square. In peace times
you can watch the fountain in the center of this park as you sit under
the shade of the four giant Banyans. There are specimens of the false
Wili-wili here, which scatter their red seeds on the ground in early
spring. Facing Thomas Square on the makai side is the private estate of
the Wards known as the Old Plantation, closed to the public. On the
other is the Honolulu Academy of Arts, which is open to the public.
The Academy has two delightful court gardens in the building, one an
Oriental, Chinesque garden, the other a Persian courtyard. At the back
are a series of small formal gardens. There are always unusual flower
arrangements in the Academy building.
Near the center of Honolulu is Iolani Palace, former home of royalty and
now the capitol of the Territory. In the park around this building are
many fine old trees and some interesting shrubs.
A short distance from the palace, up Punchbowl street, stands the
Queen's Hospital. Years ago some unusual trees were planted in its
grounds, including the Bombax. There is a good example of the curious
Bottle tree or Baobab, (_Adansonia digitata_), near the entrance by the
Emergency hospital. You can recognize it by its trunk, which quickly
tapers from about five feet in diameter to hardly more than one foot, as
various limbs branch off.
If you go straight out King street, past Fort Shafter, you will come to
Moanalua Gardens, a park-like area at the foot of the hill. This is a
private estate belonging to the Damon family, but the public is invited
to visit it. There is a pond with tropical water lilies and some
extremely large trees. There are also greenhouses filled with Orchids
and Anthuriums which visitors are sometimes invited to enter.
NUUANU AVENUE
A ride out Nuuanu avenue, will reveal a wealth of trees and flowers. On
the left hand side, shortly before reaching School street, you come to
Foster Park. This old estate is now a public park, presented by Mrs.
Mary Foster, but originally it was the garden of Dr. William Hillebrand.
He was an early botanist and lover of flowers, who imported many new
things into the islands and planted them here. The size of some of his
old trees is now tremendously impressive. Besides this, the city has
collected here many unusual plants. It also maintains a greenhouse in
which visitors can see Orchids in bloom and many other unusual, exotic
plants.
Farther out, Nuuanu avenue is bordered by the fine homes of some of
Honolulu's well-to-do citizens. From the road you can catch many
glimpses of charming gardens. Farther up Nuuanu valley you run into a
wild, natural growth. Here you can find Koa trees, yellow Gingers and
green Tis.
MANOA VALLEY
Another interesting ride is through Manoa Valley, where there are many
more homes and gardens. This takes you past the campus of Punahou school
which holds a large number of interesting trees. Along its lower wall is
the famous hedge of Night Blooming Cereus. These flowers have their
blossoming period in July, August, and September.
If you follow Manoa Road, you will come to Waioli Tea Room, run by the
Salvation Army Girls' Home. In the garden there is a real Hawaiian grass
house.
Returning down Oahu Avenue you come to a small square, called Kamanele
Park, which holds an unusual Rainbow Shower tree. A turn to the left
here will take you into the grounds of Mid-Pacific School; at the back
is the nursery of the Mid-Pacific Horticultural Establishment to which
visitors are welcome.
A short distance beyond Kamanele Park is the campus of the University of
Hawaii. This holds many unusual plants and trees, including the famous
Sausage tree (_Kigelia pinnata_). It grows in the lower corner, across
from the fountain.
DIAMOND HEAD AND KAHALA
Still another interesting drive is to go toward Diamond Head from
Waikiki, passing through Kapiolani Park, with its row of Ironwood trees
(_Casuarina equisetifolia_), like mainland evergreens. The road around
Diamond Head passes many more fine gardens, and farther on you come to
the residential area known as Kahala.
[Illustration: Plate I
HIBISCUS--CHAPTER 1]
Identification key
(1) Coral Hibiscus
(2) Double Yellow Hybrid
(3) Waterfall Hybrid Hibiscus
(4) Turk's Cap
(5) Rose of Sharon
(6) Common Red Hibiscus
(7) Hawaiian Native White
[Illustration: Plate II
FLOWERING TREES--CHAPTER II]
Identification key
(1) Gold Tree
(2) Royal Poinciana
(3) Potato Tree
(4) Tiger's Claw
(5) Plumeria
(6) Be-still
(7) African Tulip
[Illustration: Plate III
FLOWERING TREES--CHAPTER II]
Identification key
(1) Golden Shower Tree
(2) Pink and White Shower
(3) Orchid Tree
(4) Coral Shower
(5) Rainbow Shower
(6) Yellow Poinciana
[Illustration: Plate IV
FLOWERING TREES--CHAPTER II]
Identification key
(1) Monkeypod Tree
(2) Bottlebrush Tree
(3) Jacaranda
(4) Chinese Rice Flower
(5) Wong-lan
(6) Bombax
Chapter I
HAWAII'S OWN FLOWER--THE HIBISCUS
What is that flower seen everywhere, you may ask, the one with five,
stiff, papery petals, and a column rising in the center? Such blossoms
are seen tumbling in cascades of pink from small trees, spangling hedges
with red polka dots and decorating green shrubs in an artificial way,
looking like something designed for an old-fashioned stage set.
The answer, of course, is Hibiscus, Hawaii's own flower, and the
outstanding flower of all the South Seas. You will see these blossoms
worn in the hair of Hawaiian women, or tucked over the ear of Samoan men
when they dance the native _siva-siva_. You will find them strewn down
the length of leaf-covered tables prepared for a native feast or laid
out in colorful exhibition on counters of staid Island banking houses.
You may run into them formed into huge fountaining bouquets, the flower
heads fastened to long, artificial stems, or, at shows and
entertainments, you may see them covering walls and other objects
solidly.
All these uses and more are possible because the Hibiscus possesses the
unique trait of not wilting for a day after it is picked. These flowers
open at dawn and live but a single day. Whether they be left on the
shrub, picked and put in water, or laid out dry on a table top, they
remain fresh and crisp until nightfall, when they suddenly close. Fresh
buds open every day, so the Hibiscus is always in bloom.
Individual Hibiscus flowers follow a plan of five, with five petals,
five stigmas, five lobes to the calyx and the like. The stigma is
branched into five parts and is usually a bright crystalline red, like a
bit of coral at the top of the central column. Stamens grow on the sides
of this column, yellowing it with their pollen. This central column is
like the one seen in hollyhocks, a flower which is a relative of the
Hibiscus. Usually it is stiffly upright, but sometimes it sweeps outward
in a graceful curve. When this is the case it is good indication that
the flower is a hybrid and had in its ancestry the Coral Hibiscus, which
has a very long pendulous column.
Hibiscus also form double flowers, the pink ones sometimes suggesting
old fashioned cabbage roses or peonies. They are formed when the stamens
are modified into petals. Both single and double flowers appear in all
hues but blue. Color tones vary from clear white through palest pink and
yellow to glowing scarlet, orange and gold, deepening to richer tones
and dark crimson. In recent years hybrids have been produced which bring
several hues into a single flower, one with a red center, for instance,
may have yellow petals bordered in pink. Some of these polychromes are
more interesting than attractive. The size and shape of the flowers vary
also. Average diameter of a blossom may be five or six inches but some
are dwarfs of an inch, while selection has produced some a foot across.
These large ones seem even more artificial than most of the Hibiscus,
almost requiring to be touched before their reality is established.
The Hibiscus shrub is rather undistinguished in appearance, growing
sometimes into a tall tree twenty feet high, but usually nearer eight or
ten. The leaves are opposite, roundly pointed and often slightly
scalloped.
The Hibiscus is the floral emblem of the Territory of Hawaii. It was so
decided in 1923 by a joint resolution of the Legislature which
designated it as "a beautiful, indigenous blossom which grows
luxuriously on all the islands, appearing to be most generally
representative, no other flower having so great a variety of color or
form, or such continuous blooming." Botanists point out that in making
this statement the legislature conveniently overlooked the 150 or so
species of Hibiscus which are not native of Hawaii, in favor of the six
or seven which are. Hawaiians called the native blossoms "Kokio."
There are two species of white Hibiscus native to Hawaii, the commonest
being _Hibiscus arnottianus Gray_. It is found on Oahu and Molokai.
During long periods of time this species grew in isolated areas in the
islands until it developed varieties which appear to be quite different
from each other. These are known by such names as the Tantalus White,
the Waianae White, the Punaluu White and so on. Another native white
Hibiscus is _H. Waimeae_ called the Kauai White, (which may, however, be
only a form of the other.) These two are the only ones of all the
Hibiscus which are fragrant, having a faint, delicate scent. This
characteristic has sometimes been transmitted to its descendents, so
scented hybrids will occasionally be found. These native whites also
remain open longer than the single day which most Hibiscus flowers live,
_Hibiscus Waimeae_ sometimes lasting even three days. Occasionally,
therefore, a hybrid will also be found which stays fresh for several
days. Both of these characteristics are sought by hybridists.
Other native species of Hibiscus are _H. kokio_, which occurs in red or
coral colors on Hawaii, Oahu, Molokai and Maui. _Hibiscus kahili_ grows
on Kauai in several forms colored red or pink, although this may be a
variation of _H. kokio_. _H. brackenridgei_ is a yellow species,
sometimes with a purplish center, growing on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and
Maui, while _H. youngianus_ is pink or purplish.
One of the best places to see many varieties of Hibiscus is the garden
of the Halekulani Hotel. Mrs. Clifford Kimball has made the flower her
hobby for years and achieved remarkable results.
COMMON RED HIBISCUS. CHINA ROSE
_Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linnaeus_
The species of Hibiscus which seems to have the greatest number of
variants is, botanically, _Hibiscus rosa-sinensis_, sometimes called the
China Rose. The type flower is scarlet, usually with a deeper colored
throat and about five inches in diameter. It is the one oftenest seen in
hedges, since the shrub serves admirably for this purpose.
These plants seem to have innumerable variations in color and shape, the
former running in hue from yellow to crimson and appearing in both
single and double forms. In fact, it seems that most of the plants
brought into Hawaii, which were not themselves hybrids, were forms of
rosa-sinensis. Although, most of these imported forms have usually been
classed as variants of rosa-sinensis, it is now believed that many of
them were hybrids. The remarkable variation which occurs when these
forms are crossed points to a mixed ancestry. (Plate I)
CORAL HIBISCUS
_Hibiscus schizopetalus Hooker_
A species which stands out as markedly different from the usual Hibiscus
is _H. schizopetalus_ which has been given the name in Hawaii of Coral
Hibiscus. This is doubtless because its deeply cut, turned-back petals
suggest branches of red coral. The flower stem is very slender, so the
weight of the head causes it to fall over and hang down, bell-like. And
since the central column of this flower is extremely long and slender it
sways far beneath the flower, giving an effect of peculiar grace. This
plant has leaves that are small and fine. It is tall and slender, almost
vine-like, so that it has been used to make arbors. The Coral Hibiscus
has been a parent of many island hybrids, imparting to them its grace,
its lengthened column and its frilled petals. (Plate I)
HAWAIIAN INTEREST IN HIBISCUS
While the Hawaiians had always loved their flower and the Common Red
seems to have been brought in at an early date, probably direct from
China, real interest in Hibiscus culture began about the turn of the
century. Around 1902, Walter M. Giffard began crossing different strains
and getting some of the spectacular results for which this plant is
noted. Interest grew and as Island people traveled, they often sent or
brought home new varieties. One of the persons who became interested in
the plant was Gerrit Wilder, who seems to have held the first Hibiscus
show. This was in 1914, and he was able then to exhibit some 400
different varieties. In the years following, interest was very
widespread and many people made crosses, until there were literally
thousands of different forms and colors.
HYBRIDS
Crossing is very easy. The pollen of one flower is dabbled on the pistil
of another, after its own pollen has been removed. Precautions are taken
to keep the bees from stepping into the experiment, by protecting the
crossed flower with a bag. The seeds ripen in a month or so and when
planted may be expected to blossom in about a year.
The outcome is a grab bag of mixed and unexpected characteristics. By
selection and care, some hybrids have been produced that are amazing.
New shades and tints come into being, and mixtures of colors. Doubles
become larger and curlier. No one knows how many thousands of these
hybrids have been produced in Hawaii. Some of them are fairly well
established and widespread by propagation through cuttings; others never
existed in more than one plant. The only color no one has ever produced
is blue. It is the hope of all hybridists.
WATERFALL OR BUTTERFLY HIBISCUS
One of the most conspicuous of the hybrids because of its prolific
blooming is that sometimes called the Butterfly or Waterfall Hibiscus
from its graceful form. This is believed to be a cross between the
Native White and Coral. The plant often grows into a small tree and is
usually a mass of pink flowers. As a rule, it is the only one of all the
Hibiscus plants that carries enough color to be outstandingly
conspicuous in the garden. On others, the flowers are scattered. (Plate
I)
YELLOW HIBISCUS
Among the most beautiful and sought after Hibiscus are those with yellow
or orange blossoms. The range of tone is wide, the colors appearing from
palest lemon to rich yellow, gold and brilliant orange. The yellow
flowering plants are usually rather small and carry only a few blossoms
at a time. (Plate I)
ROSE OF SHARON. ALTHEA
_Hibiscus syriacus, Linnaeus_
A close relative of the true Hibiscus is the lavender or white Althea or
Rose of Sharon. The central column is white and the center of the flower
usually dark red. It is a native of Syria and the Holy Land. (Plate I)
TURK'S CAP
_Malvaviscus arboreus Cavanilles_
Another close relative of the true Hibiscus is the little red Turk's
Cap. This looks like a small Hibiscus flower which has not opened. It
never does open widely, but sometimes the number of the half furled
flowers is so great the shrub appears quite red from them. (Plate I)
Other relatives of the Hibiscus are the Hau tree (_Hibiscus tiliaceus_)
and the changeable mallow, (_Hibiscus mutabilis_) not to mention the
Okra and Roselle among edible plants.