Native Rain Forest Flower - Thrematolobelia machrostachys

The Hawaiian name for this shrub is koli'i. Over one hundred different species of lobelias evolved from just a few ancestors that arrived in Hawaii millions of years ago. Lobelias are most commonly found in the rain forest.

Most species of Hawaiian lobelias are declining and many are extinct. Decreasing numbers of pollinators, such as Hawaiian honeycreepers, depredation by feral pigs and alien plant invasions contribute to the declining numbers of these plants. Park fencing programs and removal of pigs help to restore habitat for these native shrubs.