Lyon Arboretum's Seed Conservation Lab #OhiaLove Project
ʻŌhiʻa trees (Metrosideros polymorpha) are the keystone species of Hawai'i's native forests, providing habitat for native wildlife and plants, and creating the watersheds that recharge our water supply. This tree also has immense cultural significance, symbolizing strength, beauty, and sanctity.
Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD) is a fungal disease that has affected >34,000 acres of ʻōhiʻa trees on Hawai'i Island. Many efforts are ongoing to understand and stop its spread, but in the meantime ROD is a serious threat with the potential to kill ʻōhiʻa trees statewide.
Lyon Arboretum's Seed Conservation Lab is establishing the #OhiaLove Project for its staff and partners to systematically collect and store seeds of ʻōhiʻa, to preserve genetic diversity of both at-risk populations as well as those that are potentially ROD-resistant, for future forest restoration.
Please consider supporting #OhiaLove by donating at gofundme.com/ohialove and/or by helping to spread the word via email, post on social media, and tell your family & friends!
| Seeding the future of the 'ohi'a forest |
Marian M. Chau, Ph.D.
Seed Conservation Laboratory Manager Lyon Arboretum, Hawaiian Rare Plant Program
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