'Ohi'a 'ai Blossoms is a photograph by James Temple which was uploaded on March 11th, 2011.
'Ohi'a 'ai Blossoms
In Hawaii Syzygium malaccense ('Ōhi'a 'ai in Hawaiian) is called Mountain apple, and was brought to the islands by Polynesians probably 1000 to... more
by James Temple
Title
'Ohi'a 'ai Blossoms
Artist
James Temple
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
In Hawaii Syzygium malaccense ('Ōhi'a 'ai in Hawaiian) is called Mountain apple, and was brought to the islands by Polynesians probably 1000 to 1700 years ago. The Polynesians reached the Hawaiian islands bringing plants and animals that were important to them. Mountain apple was one of the 'canoe plants'. The 'Ōhi'a 'ai tree has reddish fruit that tastes (and looks to a degree) like apples. The 'Ōhi'a 'ai is a member of the myrtle family. The Hawaiians found the wood to be useful for building material and the fruit to be nourishing. The bark was used in various medicinal preparations including birthing as well as for cuts. Dyes were extracted from the 'Ōhi'a 'ai and used in making designs in tapa cloth. The fruit of the 'Ōhi'a 'ai ranges from a very light pale pink to a deep red. One single fruit may exhibit a range of pink to red colors. The skin is thin and edible with several larger seeds near the center (which should not be eaten). The inside flesh of the fruit is white and very crisp - much like an apple. The taste ranges from being a bit similar to an apple or pear and is usually extremely juicy. The fruit can be eaten raw or dried or even pickled. The fruit grows not from the end of the branches as with apples, but can appear just about anywhere on the tree including right out of the trunk. When the flowers of the 'Ōhi'a 'ai fall they split apart into individual pieces and carpet the ground with a beautiful red layer.
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March 11th, 2011
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