Molokai Wiliwili
by James Temple
Title
Molokai Wiliwili
Artist
James Temple
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Wiliwili means "repeatedly twisted" in the Hawaiian language and refers to the seedpods, which twist open, to reveal the seeds. The health--and perhaps even the existence--of the wiliwili tree on Moloka'i is threatened by the Erythrina gall wasp, which has all but wiped out this beautiful tree. This is one of the last photographs taken of this flower on Moloka'i.
Uploaded
May 21st, 2010
Statistics
Viewed 898 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/26/2024 at 6:48 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (9)
Marcia Colelli
Gorgeous plant with beautiful shape and color. L
James Temple replied:
Thanks Marcia, I miss this exotic tree, which no longer exists in Hawaii thanks to the gall wasp.
Alana Thrower
So sad to lose such beauty! Hope this beautiful tree species has managed to survive! l/f/t/p/fb
Denise Clark
So beautiful James...gutted to read about the gall wasp. I take it that the wasp is introduced....wish something could be done...any research into its natural predators? Beautiful image f/l
James Temple replied:
Denise, this image was posted 7 years ago, since then, unfortunately all of Molokai's Wiliwili trees died. Perhaps they still exist on other Hawaiian islands? Thanks for your comment!