Oahu in Depth - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 73

Hibiscus in bloom.
JACARANDA Beginning around March and sometimes lasting until early May, these huge lacy-
leaved trees metamorphose into large clusters of spectacular lavender-blue sprays. The bell-
shaped flowers drop quickly, leaving a majestic purple carpet beneath the tree.
MACADAMIA A transplant from Australia, macadamia nuts have become a commercial crop in
recent decades in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island and Maui. The large trees—up to 60
feet tall—bear a hard-shelled nut encased in a leathery husk, which splits open and dries
when the nut is ripe.
MONKEYPODTREES The monkeypod is one of Hawaii's most majestic trees; it grows more than
80 feet tall and 100 feet across. Seen near older homes and in parks, the leaves of the mon-
keypod drop in February and March. Its wood is a favorite of woodworking artisans.
NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS Look along rock walls for this spectacular night-blooming flower.
Originally from Central America, the vinelike member of the cactus family has green scal-
loped edges and produces foot-long white flowers that open as darkness falls and wither
as the sun rises. The plant also bears an edible red fruit.
ORCHIDS To many minds, nothing says Hawaii more than orchids. The most widely grown
variety—and the major source of flowers for leis and garnish for tropical libations—is the
vanda orchid. The vandas used in Hawaii's commercial flower industry are generally lav-