Bird of Paradise (Strelitza reginae)

Bird of Paradise found on UH Manoa's Upper Campus

The Strelitza reginae commonly known as the Bird of Paradise flower is common to South America. It is a very common ornamental plant around the world because of the interesting flower that resembles a tropical bird. Also when the plant is not in bloom the leaves of the plant are long and kind of resemble that of a banana tree. The Bird of Paradise is a common ornamental plant here on the islands because it loves sunlight and adds to the islands tropical essence.

Picture taken with my own camera.

Crown Flower (Calotropis gigantean)

This is a lei composed of a small pink rose and the purple crown flower.

The beautiful, bloomed, and unpicked crown flowers.

The Crown flower is scientifically called the Calotropis gigantea, but in Hawaiian it is called the pua kalaunu. This was a beloved flower of Queen Lili'uokalani which arrived in the islands around 1871. This is an especially prized ornamental plant for lei makers who use the long-lasting flowers to create intricate leis. This flower does not have a strong scent so it is good for those sensitive to smell. The only downfall of this plant is that it produces a milky sap which you need to be weary of when handling this plant. The best reason of all to have this as an ornamental plant is that it attracts beautiful monarch butterfly caterpillars. The leaves of the plant are a favorite food source for the caterpillars. The caterpillars will later turn into Monarch butterflies that flutter around the plant as well. This ornamental plant is commonly found around schools, homes, as well as hotels. It is truly a beautiful sight to see Monarch butterflies all around the tree.

First Picture from: http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Asia/India/photo232426.htm
Second Picture: taken with my own camera

Aloe (Aloe vera)

This was an aloe plant I found planted outside of someone's home for decoration.

 Aloe vera, commonly called Aloe, is a succulent plant that is known for its medicinal properties. The succulence of this plant makes it a common ornamental plant in dry climates and its resistance to most insect pests makes it an ideal ornamental plant. The Aloe can also be grown in small proportions as a potted plant. This plant is also grown for the interesting and unique red flower that it forms. Aloe is widely known for its healing properties of inflamed or damaged tissue. It has also been used to aide in the healing of stomach disorders, ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis, and a host of skin problems including cuts, bruises, burns, and athlete's foot. The healing property in the plant itself lies within the thick gelatinous sap if the leaves. When the leaves are broken in half, the gelatinous sap can be applied directly to the skin for comfort with burns. Many of the sun burn products or skin ointments in local drugstores contain the ingredient Aloe vera within the bottle.

 

A beautiful example of the unique red flower that forms from the Aloe.

Top Picture: taken with my own camera

Bottom Picture from: http://www.nopalcactusblog.com/2009/12/02/aloe-vera/

Hala Tree (Pandanus tectorius)

Hala Tree (Pandanus tectorius)

The Pandanus tectorius, commonly known as the Hala Tree, is the only species of the genus Pandanus that is native to Hawaiʻi. You may have noticed these trees landscaped across the UH Manoa campus or spotting the coastline of local beaches. This plant is very distinguishable because of the aerial roots called prop roots and the long bent leaves. The Hala is a coastal tree that thrives in salty environments, sandy soils, and is very hardy. The Hala tree is a very popular ornamental plant for landscaping because it was a very important plant in ancient Hawai'i. The leaves of the Hala were woven into fine mats that were used for house flooring. Currently people make lauhala bracelets and purses. The lau is the Hawaiian word for leaf. The dried fruits of the Hala were also used as paint brushes for dying clothing and the prop roots were used for medicinal healing. 

The image was taken with my own personal camera at the UH Manoa Campus.