The Garden As A Living Classroom Education is important to us. It is integral to our mission and part of our vision we have been quietly pursing in the background for the last two years. We are excited to help further education for learners of…
Aloha, As a global community we face unprecedented challenges ahead due to the impacts of this public health crisis. In the face of this pandemic, we are committed to assisting our community, members, alliance partners, and all educational institutions. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is a nonprofit dedicated to sustainability. Our mission, charted in 1979, was visionary and guided us…
What is a Bioreserve? There are many names given to places that practice conservation and preservation of plants and animals such as park, garden, conservancy or bioreserve. By definition, a bioreserve is a protected area reserved for the conservation of endangered species of flora and fauna. It is a place that…
Common Laua’e Fern Microsorum scolopendria Common names can be confusing, and often the same common name is used for different plants or plant species. This is true for the common laua‘e fern in Hawaii. Microsorum scolopendria, the Australian species of “laua‘e“ has been in Hawaii for so long that many people think it’s the endemic Hawaiian Laua’e Fern, Microsorum spectrum. Somewhat confusingly, these two attractive fern…
Selaginella willdenowii or Peacock Fern is often mistaken for a true fern but is actually a species of spikemoss. It derives its name from its iridescent blue leaves, which is attributed to an adaptive trait allowing it to withstand direct sunlight that would otherwise damage shade adapted plants. At HTBG, the Selaginella willdenowii lines many of our trails and can be found in it’s best…
Alexandra PalmArchontophoenix alexandrae The Alexandra palm is a towering feature at HTBG. Growing up to 40 feet with leaves about 6 to 7 feet long, these palm forests can’t be missed. The palm is native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, and naturalized here in Hawaii and parts of Florida. It prefers littoral rain forest and locations that receive heavy rain events. The ability…
Breadfruit Breadfruit has long been a staple food source in the pacific. Originating in South Asia, it’s believed to have spread through Oceania by early Polynesians, hence many people use the term Canoe Plant when referring to Breadfruit . Breadfruit, or Artocarpus altilis, is a…
Elaeocarpus angustifolius This rainforest tree is native to Eastern Australia. While not featured in the main garden this tree grows on one of our neighboring properties not open to the public. The fruits are unmistakable due to their incredible color, it’s no wonder the common…
