Mamane Flowers

Title

Mamane Flowers

Artist

Heidi Fickinger

Medium

Photograph - Photographic Print

Description

Māmane is a native Hawaiian shrub or tree (Sophora chrysophylla). Sophora chrysophylla is an endemic species found scattered throughout dry shrubland and dry to moist forests; it is also occasionally found in wet forests. It is the most common plant in the subalpine areas of East Maui and the island of Hawai'i. It grows at elevations ranging from 1,400 to over 10,000 feet. It is found on all the main Hawaiian islands except Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe.
Māmane is a member of the pea and bean families; the brilliant yellow flowers resemble pea flowers.
In the Hawaiian culture, the hard, durable wood of māmane was used by the Native Hawaiians for pou (house posts) and kaola (beams) up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in diameter, ʻōʻō (digging sticks), spears, kope (spades), papa hōlua (sled) runners, papa olonā ( scrapers), ʻau koʻi (adze handles), and wahie (firewood). The wood was also used in religious rituals to ward off evil. A kahuna nui (high priest) would wrap a piece of māmane wood in a dark kapa cloth and hold it up to symbolize authority.
Māmane is essential for the endangered palila (Loxioides bailleui), which feeds almost exclusively on the plants' immature seeds when these are in season. It also nests in the Māmane branches. Caterpillars of Cydia moths eat the Māmane's seeds, and in turn are being eaten by the Palila. Both the bird and the larvae utilize the embryo only, leaving the seed coat untouched. Nectar from the blooming flowers is eaten by by our iconic brilliant red bird, 'I'iwi, which has a long, curved bill that is perfect for reaching deep into the flowers to reach the nectar.

Featured in the following FAA group galleries:
* Fine Art America Professionals
* Flower on Green
* Only Blooms and Flowers
* Global Flowers Photography
* Skytwitter Art Gallery
* Digital Art & Photography for a Simple Imagination

Uploaded

May 31st, 2020

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