THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



99 



Stamens, an inch or more in length, and much longer than the 

 inconspicuous petals and calyx. These beautiful pompons are 

 arranged in terminal corymbs, and stand out showily beyond 

 the small, close-set leaves. As the flowering season is practi- 

 cally continuous, any view from ridge or peak across the tree- 

 tops is sure to disclose a generous sprinkling of the rich red 

 blossoms, shining like birds against the gray-green background 

 of the lehna foliage. Because of its abundant nectar, the lehua 

 flower attracts great numbers of the native insects and birds, 

 and is an important element in the food supply of these crea- 

 tures. Many of the highly specialized Hawaiian birds known 

 as "honey-suckers" are confined largely to- the lehua forests. 



In the humid valley floors and ravines of the lower forest 

 zone are extensive groves of a handsome tree widely known 

 and prized in the Pacific and Malayan regions. This is the 

 oliia ai (Eugenia Malaceensis) known as "mountain apple" in 

 English, because of the crimson, palatable, apple-like fruit. 

 The 'flowers occur not only at the ends of the branches, but also 

 on short spurs along the trunk and larger branches. Like its 

 relative, the lehua, the flower is a delicate cluster of long, 

 spreading, bright red stamens, that contrast charmingly with 

 the glo'Ssy, rich green foliage. During the flowering season, in 

 early summer, the shady interior of the tree seems to be filled 

 with a delicate scarlet haze. 



The nohii (Tribulus cistoides) is a common lowland 

 flower, that also^ occurs on most of the low coral isles and atolls 

 of the North Pacific. It is an herbaceous perennial mat-plant, 

 with trailing hairy branches, and pinnate leaves. The light 

 yellow flowers, axillary and solitary, are about twO' inches in 

 diameter. They are conspicuous in the early morning, like 

 sunbeams scattered on the greenery, but wither in the glare of 

 the day. The fruit is armed with stiff spines, and woe to the 

 barefooted native boy who inadvertently treads upon it. 



