ENDEMIC NURSERY
In our endemic nursery we grow plants for our families, friends and clients to enjoy.
Current plant species found in the Hawaiian archipelago resulted from early colonies of arriving species during the last 5 million years. The result of this slow-paced evolution, combined with isolation from the rest of the world's flora and fauna, resulted in more than 1000 current species of endemic plant life.
Choosing the most suitable style of landscaping for your Hawaiian home is dependent on several factors. The Big Island alone features 11 of the world’s 13 major climate zones. Some of these areas receive more direct sunlight and annual rainfall, some areas are arid with low annual rainfall, while other areas are close to the sea where the air is salty. As a result, each zone contains both endemic and indigenous plant species that thrive under similar yet differing conditions. Native plants are those that grow naturally in a region, plants that were not introduced by humans. There are two types of native plants, endemic and indigenous. Endemic plants are native to only one place in the World, while indigenous plants are native to multiple places around the World. Because of its isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii has an unusually high proportion of endemic native plant species.
Net Positive Realty is committed to preserving Hawai’i’s endemic plants reflecting our commitment to a sustainable environment. Maintaining healthy soil, free from pesticides and fertilizers, along with little to no irrigation are top priorities during landscaping design, for both new and existing projects. Xeriscaping is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation and can replace grassy lawns with soil, rocks, mulch, and drought-tolerant native plant species.
Endemic species are vulnerable to extinction, due to natural causes or human activity. Along with the consequences of climate change other threats, such as illegal poaching, changing residential habitats, and the introduction of invasive species can affect plant species’ survival. To help offset these challenges, Net Positive Realty has collaborated with local landscapers to support, grow, and maintain an endemic nursery for the benefit of all residents of the Big Island. Our hope is to continue the proliferation of these cherished and environmentally friendly plants for all to enjoy.
Ākia
Ākia, also referred to as “hillside false ōhelo” is an endemic Hawaiian plant and given its scientific name as “Wikstroemia uva-ursi”.
The berries were used in lei making, branches provided as strong fibers for ropes and braids, and larger species of wood for carrying sticks, known as ‘auamo.
The extracts were believed to have anti-tumor capabilities and mixed with coconut and sugar can, its sap along with sweet potato as a purgative used to cleanse the body with toxin.
Elima
Elima, also referred to as “Black Coral” is native to Hawai’i as well as other parts of the world and is given its scientific name as “Sida fallax”.
It is used as a common shrub or ground cover and can be found on the coast or in the dry and mesic forests in the Hawaiian Islands.
The flowers can be strung into beautiful lei and were also used as a mild laxative for babies.
Ōhi‘a
Ōhi‘a, given its scientific name of “Metrosideros polymorpha” is endemic to the six largest islands of Hawai‘i and is the most common Hawaiian native tree.
Its wood was used for kapa (fabric made by native Hawaiians) beaters, poi boards, and weapons, leaves for medicinal tea, and flowers for leis and hula altar adornments.
Hawaiian traditions refer to the Ōhi‘a and its forest to be sacred to Pele (volcano goddess) and Laka (hula goddess).
Ulei
Ulei is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands, except for Niihau and Kahoolawe and is given its scientific name of “Osteomeles anthylidifolia”.
Its branches were made into fishnet hoops and arrow shafts when bent and large specimens of hard wood used as fishing spears (o’o) and musical instruments (‘ukeke). The fruits could be eaten, and the flowers and leaves woven into leis.
Hāpu'u
Hāpuʻu, given its scientific name of “cibotium glaucum” is native and endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
It is a commonly used tree fern for landscapes, most likely due to its availability and its low elevation tolerances to plantings even near sea level and excellent understory plant to help control erosion.
Pua Kala
Pua Kala is the endemic Hawaiian Poppy that grows in our drylands forests. It can grow to be up to 1-3 feet tall and thrives in dry regions in full sunlight. To grow, plant seeds in soil that is moist, but not soaking wet and place in filtered sunlight at 60-90 degrees. Seeds can also be thrown in a garden bed and in time they will germinate and grow.
