Hawaii is such a diverse and unique area that it is said to be a biologist’s paradise. Biologists travel here to study the wide variety of species and one such species is Aleurites moluccana or the kukui tree. The kukui tree is originally from Southeast Asia, particularly the Indo-Malaysia region, and has moved its way into the Pacific. It was first introduced to the Hawaiian islands when the Polynesians navigated their way here hundreds of years ago (Elevitch, C. R., & Manner, H. I., 2006). Since then, the kukui tree’s physical adaptations have helped it to thrive in Hawaii and native Hawaiians were able to utilize this plant in a number of ways.
First, the kukui tree is one that can be easily recognized due to its unique physical characteristics. Simply based on its size, the tree can grow up to 80 feet with trunks that are three feet in diameter. Also, the tree stands out very much because of its silver-green colored leaves that darken with age (World Agroforestry). These characteristics of size and color are very distinguishable from a distance but that is not all that the tree has to offer. The nuts hidden within the leaves only grow up to around two inches in diameter but are still distinguishable. Also, the tree contains small bunches of flowers but these are harder to notice (World Agroforestry). These features attribute to the plant’s appearance but more importantly serve some adaptive purpose.
Next, the kukui tree’s physical features have all contributed, in some way, to its adaptation here in Hawaii. The kukui tree is such a resilient and adaptive species because it can be commonly found in various parts of Hawaii. It is able to grow in a variety of conditions such as different types of soils, a pH of 5-8, being able...
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... The oil within the nut was highly valued because it burns extremely well and the nut itself would be used as candle. This is why the kukui tree is known as the candlenut tree (White). This plant has such an extensive range of uses that must have made it very valuable to the native Hawaiians.
All in all, the kukui tree has flourished in Hawaii due to its physical adaptations and proved to be a valuable resource. The tree’s unique characteristics are what make it stand out from other plants found around the islands. It is also these characteristics that make it biologically successful in order to grow and reproduce efficiently. Also, the native Hawaiians have utilized this plant to the fullest by making use of every single part of the plant. The kukui tree is a prime example of successful adaptation here in Hawaii and will continue to flourish for a very long time.
Ii, John Papa., Mary Kawena Pukui, and Dorothy B. Barrère. Fragments of Hawaiian History. Honolulu: Bishop Museum, 1983. Print.
Many variations and species of plants can be found all around the world and in different habitats. These variations and characteristics are due to their adaptations to the natural habitat surrounding them. In three of many climatic zones, the arid, tropical and temperate zone, plants that vary greatly from each other are found in these locations. In this experiment, we’ll be observing the connection between the adaptations of the plants to their environment at the Fullerton Arboretum. The arboretum is a space containing numerous plants from different environments. The plants are carefully looked after and organized into their specific habitat. Therefore, we’ll be able to take a look at the plants within multiple
In this paper I will discuss the print called Plum Garden at Kameido. This print was created by Ando Hiroshige in 1857. It is a woodblock print. In the front of the print is a close up of a tree. It is an image of a plum tree in a plum garden. The tree has pretty white blooms on it. For this reason it is logical to assume that it must be springtime. Working back, I see two more plum trees. None of the trees have much detail of the bark texture. I can see that if these trees are true to life, Plum trees are not very shapely trees. Behind the second row of trees is what appears to be an iron fence with people standing at various points along the fence. The fence line angles back to show a third row of trees in the distance. Green grass can be seen in much of the fenced in area highlighting the fact that it is a garden.
Sonia P. Juvik, James O. Juvik. Atlas of Hawaii. 3rd Edition. Hilo: University of Hawai'i Press, 1998.
Each plant species has a unique pattern of resource allocation that is genetically determined but not fixed. Plants can adjust there allocation pattern when they experience different environments and the presence of other species. Phenotypic plasticity goes hand in hand with resource allocation as well. When a plant has to adjust itʻs resource allocation, sometimes it uses itʻs resources to help the plant grow different characteristic so that the plant can have a greater chance of living in the environment. For example, if a plant from an environment that does not experience wind on the regular basis enters a new environment that has a lot of wind the plant may change itʻs resource allocation and spend more of itʻs resources growing deeper
Willard, Debra A., Christopher E. Bernhardt, Charles W. Holmes, Bryan Landacre, and Marci Marot. "Response Of Everglades Tree Islands To Environmental Change." Ecological Monographs 76.4 (2006): 565-83. JSTOR. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
As a result of these factors, the flora has adapted to these conditions in a variety of ways including their shape, leaf type, root system, and color. One of the most prominent adapt...
Jovik, Sonia P. and James O. Jovik. (1997). “History.” Atlas of Hawaii. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, p.408.
The heavy rains (150 inches a year) are famous in the Pacific Northwest and have created a lush, mossy and primeval-looking forest of enormous trees. Generally on the western side of the park, there are several ways to ...
The Korowai are one of the most endangered ethnic groups in the world. Their traditional culture was developed thousands of years ago. They live in small family clans and are hunter-gatherers and live in a horticultural society. The natural resources have allowed them to survive in the harsh rainforest which they depend for living. As population grows in society more and more people are using the earth’s natural resources. Trees are being cut down for extraction of minerals and energy. Lands are being used to create missionary communities. The Korowai territory is surrounded by missionary communities, who have influ...
Potassium is an essential component for plant growth. Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than most other mineral elements. Potassium is supplied to plants by soil minerals, organic materials, and inorganic fertilizer. Potassium is not found in organic combination with plant tissues. Potassium plays an essential role in the metabolic processes of plants. Potassium also is essential in carbohydrate metabolism, a process by which energy is obtained from sugar.
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Many enjoy venturing out in the nature and into the wild; thus, Maui welcomes each and everyone to her luxurious greenery and breathtaking forests. There are various forests on the island of Maui. Moreover, eight forests are observed and reserved by the State of Hawaii Forest Reserve. The f...
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