Invasive Informant: ʻŌhiʻa Forests and Water.

Summary

Welcome to the Invasive Informant, sponsored by Kaua’i Invasive Species Committee. KISC works across Kaua’i to prevent, control, or eliminate the most threatening invasive plant and animal species in order to preserve Kauaʻi’s native biodiversity and minimize adverse ecological, agricultural, economical, and cultural impacts. This month, we we discuss how native ʻōhiʻa forests us in our lives.

You know, we talk a lot about ʻōhiʻa, the most abundant tree in our native forest. And lately, weʻve talked about the many ways ʻōhiʻa support various forms of life in the forest. Birds like ʻakikiki and ʻiʻiwi. Invertebrates like kahuli, native land snails. Insects like damselflies and Kamehameha butterflies, also known as pulelehua. Native yellow-faced bees and a myriad of moths. Dozens, if not, hundreds of spiders. Many of these species are endemic to Hawaii, not known to exist anywhere else in the world.

Now, let’s talk about the direct ways our native ʻōhiʻa forest supports us in our lives. In particular, ʻōhiʻa water-collecting and water-giving properties. In our wet forests, over millennia, ʻōhiʻaʻs furry leaves have adapted to capture water. Too, ʻōhiʻa are friendly, unlike non-native invasives like albizia and strawberry guava and miconia. When you find yourself in an ʻōhiʻa forest, youʻll find a bio-diverse collection of other native plants from lichen and mosses and ferns that grow directly on ʻōhiʻa, as well as, other canopy trees like koa and understory plants like ʻōlapa. 

Rich bio-diverse ʻōhiʻa forests help capture and store water, vital for our aquifers. Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock and the source of our drinking water. Healthy ʻōhiʻa forests also help prevent erosion and run-off ensuring we have a healthy reef for us to fish, surf, swim, snorkel, and, simply, enjoy.

You can help save ʻōhiʻa from the fungal disease known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death by brushing mud off footwear and gear before and after entering the forest, then, spraying with isopropyl rubbing alcohol.