What Do Ohia Mean?

Ohia refers to the Hawaiian name given to two related trees of the Myrtle family. In the United States, the most well-known of these two is the ohi'a lehua (often simply "lehua" or "ohi'a"), a flowering tree native to Hawaii.

How did OHIA get its name?

The genus name Metrosideros is derived from the Greek words metra, meaning 'heartwood', and sideron, meaning 'iron', and refers to the hard wood of the trees in this genus.

Why is OHIA important?

A Lifeline for Native Birds

'Ohi'a is a prolific tree that grows in an amazing variety of forms. ... It is also one of the most important trees for native Hawaiian birds such as 'Apapane and 'Akohekohe, which get their food from nectar-producing flowers. Dozens of extinct species would have fed frequently on 'ohi'a, too.

David Miller

David Miller

Executive Financial & Market Analyst

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.