Maui is famous for its plant life, thanks to its diverse climate.
Of the twenty climate zones identified all over the world, Maui has seventeen. Such diverse climates create a perfect environment for numerous types of flowers to grow and flourish. The beauty of the plant life in Maui lies in the flowers’ unique shapes and vibrant colors. They are indeed a visual treat.
The tropical rainforests located in east Maui are particularly famous for their stunning flowers.
Pincushion Protea
Pincushion protea is a unique flower shaped like a bowl filled with hard ribbon-like projections. In the initial stages of growth, this flower sprouts glossy loops in vibrant yellow, red, gold and orange colors. As the plant matures, the loops straighten out and flaunt arrow tip like formations.
Since they are glossy, mature flowers reflect light beautifully like a bunch of prisms.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise, otherwise called Strelitzia, grow in vibrant colors.
The plant has long stems that hold the flower around three to four feet in the air. Bird of Paradise flowers are used extensively in bouquets and as ornamental flowers in interiors because of their visual splendor, especially since they last for almost a week after being plucked from the plant.
Ginger
With its cone-like structures, one can easily recognize the Ginger flower.
The flower has a large head that consists of several bracts, giving it a pine cone-like shape. Ginger flowers are available in many colors, the most common being red, pink, white, cream and yellow. This flower, because of its unique structure, looks very artistic.
In addition to being used as an ornamental flower in landscapes, ginger flowers are used as ingredients in several Hawaiian dishes because they have a strong candy-like aroma.
Hibiscus
Yellow Hawaiian Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and is found extensively on Maui Island. These are large flowers and do not have an aroma. They are available in five native colors – white, red, pink, yellow and orange. But now, several hybrid species have been developed in many colors.
Heliconia
Heliconia has a beautiful formation.
The flower consists of brilliant bracts of little florets that are closely packed on thick stems. You find these flowers in two variations, either drooping or upright. The common colors of heliconia are pink, red, orange and yellow. The most special feature of these flowers is their variety. They are available in numerous colors, sizes and shapes and they grow extensively in the Hana rainforests.
Maui is full of colors. Next time you visit, take a walk along the roads bordering the rainforests and transport yourself to a paradise of beautiful flora.
