Plants. Plant parts. Kumulāʻau. Laʻalāʻau. Lāʻau hihi. Lau. Pua. ʻAnoʻano. Meakanu. ʻĀpaʻakuma.
Meakanu; a thing growing, a plant. ʻĀpaʻa, “land one has lived on for a long time.” Meakanu ʻāpaʻakuma: a plant that has lived in a place for a long time. Of course “long time” is relative. Some say “Oh, I’m from here. I’ve lived here a long time.” But, how long is “long”? Ten years? Twenty-five? A lifetime? Generations? Millennia?
The science of molecular biology is relatively young, but entirely fascinating, at least to some. Genetic studies help us understand relationships. Like the popular “Ancestry DNA” tests. Who are we? Where did we come from?
Increasingly, delving into those molecules – infinitesimally tiny building blocks of life – can inform us: From here, or from there? And, excitingly, when?
When did ʻōhiʻa lehua, our iconic species, arrive in our pae ʻāina? Where did it come from? Some researchers tell us that ʻōhiʻa has been in Hawaiʻi for perhaps 3.9 million years. Most recently it came on the winds from Te Henua Enana (Marquesas), and apparently originated on Lord Howe Island, between Australia and Aotearoa. Many millions of years ago. Simply mind-boggling.
Endemic plants are indeed those that have been here a long time. Those that are not found anywhere else in the world, and evolved here into unique species.
Native (or Indigenous) are plants that got here by themselves, but are found in other places. They have not evolved into different species.
Polynesian introductions (canoe plants) are the 25 or so useful species brought by those who became Native Hawaiians.
Alien plants are those introduced with or after the arrival of Cook. Many are invasive, spreading and wreaking havoc on native ecosystems.
So much must be done to ensure survival of our meakanu ʻāpaʻakuma. Do what you can. Learn about them. Plant them. Share them. Pull invasives. Above all, cherish them!
