Friday, October 10, 2014

National Tropical Botanical garden week 5

Just a tasted of Limahuli Garden and Preserve 

 "Is set in a verdant tropical valley on the north shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kaua`i. The Garden is backdropped by the majestic Makana Mountain and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. In Hawaiian, the name Limahuli means “turning hands,” which recognizes the ancient Hawaiians who built agricultural terraces out of lava rock and planted cultivars of kalo (taro), an important cultural food crop. These and other plants that were significant to the early inhabitants, as well as native species, make up the Garden's collections. The property includes a plantation-era garden, as well as invasive species that were introduced by modern man. Limahuli Stream, one of the last pristine waterways left in the Islands, provides a habitat for indigenous aquatic life."

What a great week with the crew 

Harvesting Kalo (Taro) in 700 year old taro terraces. 

Step 1 

Approximately 9 months after first planting Kalo it should be mature 

Mature Kalo ready to be harvested
Step 2

Enter into the terraces with peace in your heart and grace in your soul.  Find mature clumps of Kalo and locate "mother plant".

Director Dr. Kawika Winters showing me how its done
Step 3 

With a gentle stepping motion the mature corm is removed by breaking the small fibrous roots that protrude from the corm. During this process the offshoots are being planted firmly in the field. 

Removing the Kalo with a traditional methods 
Step 4

Remove mature corm from terrace 

Myself and Kawika Winters after harvest
Step 5

Clean and remove the fibrous roots of the corm in preparation for multi culinary creations 

Cleaning the fresh Kalo 
Freshly cleaned Kalo 
Off to the kitchen 
Harvesting Sweet Potato 

After 6 months potatoes were ready 
Ready to dig the little treasures up 
The joy of the harvest
Taking cutting for the next crop planting 
Cuttings root in water and will be planted out to grow the next crop 
Historical varieties are preserved by asexual propagation methods 
Preparing and planting bananas

Weeding the area before planting 
Dr. Winters shows how deep to plant banana plants need to be planted 
In no time the bananas will flush new leaves... happy in there new home 
Conservation efforts within the lower preserve 

Removal of invasive species within the native preserve 
Out-planting with native plants 
Red Peperomias are my favorite 
what a cute fern accompanied with moss 
New leaves of Charpentiera densiflora
Carex wahuensis ready to be planted 
Propagation of native ferns 

Due to the intensity of invasive species and lack of success in fern propagation many native ferns are extremely rare. To help aid in the recovery of the native Hawaiian forest two species of fern are propagated. Both Microlepia strigosa and Asplenium kaulfusii can be propagated asexually.

Asplenium kaulfusii 
Plantlets form on leaves and this is a great way to propagate 
Fronds are placed on planting media 
After 3 months fronds degrade and plantlets root and become established 
Microlepia strigosa 

Shoots are removed from mature plants 
Shoots were planted in media 
Water in the new plants 

After 5 months new leaves form
My favorite images of the gardens 


Looking down on the terraces 
The Hale is anther world 
The view from inside the Hale 
Coconuts !
What beauty
The terraces are fed by the cleanest stream in the state 
Water brings life 
Tranquility


Reflections 
"Bird man" mark an old trail 
foundation of ancient homes
Fabulous plants of the garden

Brighamia insignis
Hibiscus
The delicate tip of a frond 
Morinda citrifolia 
The contrast of hibiscus
what petals 
Ruffles 
What a stigma 
Paradise
The magic 
Two of a kind 
Hibiscus waimeae ssp. hannerae
Hike on the Napali Coast 

Lets start the day off right 
View from the start of trail 
Feathers in the wind

Pandanus line the trail 
Getting a workout
More Pandanus
what a veiw
Casuarina sp. (Ironwood) line the trail 
Secluded beach 
The perfect end to the 8 mile hike

Other fun places on the North shore 

Fresh water swimming 

Cold Ponds

Shampoo time with 'Awapuhi the shampoo Ginger 
Blue room  


Just wow
Inside the free water cave 
Its a long way down
Cooking and skirt making 

Time to cook some chips 
Amazing 
Nothing like making your own skirt 
Almost done

Let the process begin 


























Can't believe that my time a NTBG as an intern is halfway over !

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