5 Hawaii specimens added to Big Tree list

To be named a Big Tree is to be the largest known tree of a species in the United States.

These champion trees, according to American Forests, a Washington-based nonprofit, are “the superstars of their species,” resulting from a combination of factors including the right location, proper care, soil, water and resilience to disease, pests and the elements.

Across the U.S., there are more than 700 specimens on American Forests’ Big Tree register. Hawaii added five new champions to the list at the close of 2016, bringing the total number in the state to 12.

All but two of the dozen Hawaii champions reside on the Big Island.

The newly crowned Big Trees include a 103-foot-tall niu (Cocos nucifera or coconut palm) that replaced a fallen champion in the historic Kapuaiwa coconut grove on Molokai, and Oahu’s first champion, a 33-foot kokio keokeo tree (Hibiscus arnottianus or white hibiscus tree) in Manoa.

Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve coordinator Elliott Parsons helped identify three new champions from the Big Island: an 18-foot lama tree (Diospyros sandwicensis, commonly known as Hawaiian ebony); a 24-foot kawau tree (Ilex anomala or Hawaiian holly); and an 8-foot mao hau hele tree (Hibiscus brackenridgei or yellow hibiscus).

The purpose of the Big Tree program, created by American Forests in 1940, is to raise awareness about the importance of healthy trees and forests. Trees are judged on trunk circumference, height and average crown spread.

The Hawaii Big Tree Program, sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, focuses on native and Polynesian-introduced species. A total of 21 tree species in Hawaii are eligible to be Big Tree champions.

“These are all iconic native trees that are so ecologically and culturally important to our islands, and it is an honor to showcase them to the entire nation,” Hawaii Big Tree coordinator Krista Lizardi said in an email. “Through this program, we hope to educate and encourage conservation of our native tree species in a fun and interactive way.”

The DLNR is encouraging the public to explore and identify new champions. Several eligible species that do not have a Big Tree champion include the kokio ula (Hibiscus clayi or Clay’s hibiscus) and lonomea (Syzygium sandwicense or soapberry). Some can be found in your backyard or along a favorite hiking trail, Lizardi said.

Nominations for the 2017 registry will be accepted until March 1.

To nominate a tree, contact Lizardi at 587-0164 or email Krista.M.Lizardi@hawaii.gov and provide the tree height, trunk circumference and average crown spread, as well as a specific location with GPS coordinates if possible.