Lehua papaMyrtaceae (Myrtle family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Koolau Mts., Oahu only)Oahu (Cultivated)The large leaved plant is Kadua littoralis, member of Rubiaceae. It was a volunteer in the pot with lehua papa and planted them out together.Lehua papa means "flat or prostrate lehua (hia)." The flowers are red.Native Metrosideros include five endemic species: lehua hihi or hihi (M. tremuloides), lehua papa (M. rugosa), and three known by the name hia (M. polymorpha, M. macropus and M. waialealae).Early Hawaiians used all forms of hia for lei, medicine, and wood. For specific uses, please visit
nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Metrosideros_polymorphaEtymologyThe generic name Metrosideros is derived from the Greek metra, heartwood, and sideron, iron, referring to the very hard wood of these plants.The specific epithet, rugosa, meaning wrinkled, refers to the wrinkled appearance of the leaves of this species.
