Maui: Kula Botanical Garden, Part 2 |
Resuming our tour of the Kula Botanical Gardens, we encounter a small shaded plot planted with various varieties of Fuchsia. Most members of this genus are native to South and Central America but I am familiar with them from my days living in Rio Del Mar just south of Santa Cruz, CA. The mild climate of that area was perfect for Fuchsia — a fact that reminds us of how mild the climate is in the Upcountry area of Maui.
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Yet in the same area, one discovers an Aloe plant that would be at home in my current residence in Arizona.
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Next up is a Tulip Tree. Of course they are not related to Tulips but to Magnolias.
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Next I spotted a small clearing with an old basin. There was no sign describing its historical use — so we are left to speculate. Was it a cooking vessel, wash tube or simply a watering vat for cattle? Who knows?
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Ah, here is a familiar sight — a Bird of Paradise flower. Did you know that the flower's name is due to the supposed resemblance to the birds from New Guinea which really are birds-of-paradise.
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This is an unusual flower — Kahili Ginger, which derives its name from the kahili of ancient times which were feathered standards used to represent the Hawai`ian royalty. The shape of the flower head resembles a feather kahili — thus the name. Curiously, the plant is considered an invasive species and thus a "weed of concern" in Hawai`i.
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Next up is what appears to be a variety of orchid. Since there are more than 20,000 accepted species of orchid, I hope you will forgive me for not knowing what variety it is. Of course, one of my knowledgeable readers may be able to help me out here.
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The next few photos are one of my favorite flowers — pincushion protea.
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It should obvious how they got their name.
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And they come in a range of shapes and colors. Like I say, I love 'em.
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Last, but definitely not least, is a magnificent Pink Ice Protea.
To be continued... |
Life is good.