Interesting Facts On Hawaiian Flowers

Hawaii is world-renowned for its tropical environment filled with exotic plants, unique marine animals and intriguing geographical formations. The picturesque scenery is enhanced by the diverse species of flowers that inhabit all regions of the island chain. Fortunately, these flowers are abundant throughout the year because of the archipelago's relatively stable weather patterns that are conducive to profuse growth. As a result of this abundance, the Hawaiians eagerly make use of the spectacular varieties available to them. They are a fundamental part of ceremonial occasions, essential to the creation of leis and are also an important component in naturally based cosmetics. These diverse and often remarkable flowers are as useful as they are ornamental. They are equally revered by the natives and visitors to the islands and continue to play a vital role in Hawaiian culture.

Hawaiian Flowers used to make Leis
Leis are flower or leaf arrangements made in the form of a ring. They are used in Hawaii and Polynesia as symbols of affection and are given to someone to say hello or goodbye. The tradition of giving leis is a very old one that is deeply rooted into the Hawaiian culture and became popularized as tourism on the islands grew. There are many types of flowers and leaves used in leis and many ways to make them; in addition some leis are only made for special occasions. Flowers traditionally used in leis are Plumerias, Orchids, Pikake. Leaves traditionally used in leis are of the Maile, Ti and Fern plants.

Plumerias are tropical trees that bare beautiful flowers. These flowers usually are white in color with centers of yellow, pink, purple or red but many varieties do not appear white, instead appearing as different hues of soft colors. Plumerias are usually used by themselves to make leis but can also be used with other flowers on a rare occasion. These flowers are traditionally used in homemade leis because they do not have a long shelf life (they last for a maximum 2-3 days after being made), they are flat, colorful a highly fragrant especially at night. Plumerias make beautiful multicolored leis.

Orchids have thousands of varieties and many of those are used to make leis. The most common species however is the Dendrobium orchid. The Dendrobium orchid genus contains over one thousand varieties of orchids but the constant is that all species are beautiful and have an understated elegance. These orchids are used to make leis because their shape is conducive to stringing, their colors are beautiful (usually purple and white Dendrobiums are used in leis) and many species give a sweet scent. Leis made from Dendrobium orchids can last at least 6 days.

Pikake is a species of jasmine called Jasminum sambac. Like all other jasmine flowers it is highly fragrant and is thus a preferred component in many leis. In Hawaii, Pikake is commercially grown for the purpose of making leis. The variety grown produces bright white flowers that are whorled just enough to look like a tiny rose bud. This flower is of much significance to many countries washed by the Pacific Ocean as it is the national flower of the Philippines. Pikake whose name derived from the word Peacock is so called because princess Kaiulani had an affinity for the flowers as well as Peacocks and these flowers in bloom slightly resemble a Peacocks tail.

Maile leaves are used to make leis for males particularly the groom and his groomsmen for his wedding.

Hawaiian flowers traditionally used in weddings
Flowers are of great significance in Hawaiian weddings as some of them are used as symbolism. Maile leaves, Orchids, Pikake, Plumerias, Tuberose and Anthuriums are just a few varieties. The Hawaiian wedding is normally a simple affair with the flowers playing a central role. Flowers are worn by the bride (she also carries a bouquet), groom, minister and guests. All these flowers are symbolic of the union between the bride and groom.

Maile leaves are used to make leis for the groom and his groomsmen. During the ceremony, the minister uses a lei made of Maile leaves to bind the hands of both the bride and groom, this is done to symbolize the sacred nature of their union. Pikake flowers are traditionally worn by guests in the form of leis worn around the neck but the bride customarily wears a lei head piece instead of a veil. Pikake flowers are also worn by the guests in a smaller arrangement of the flower tied around the hand. Plumerias are often used as the flower of choice given to the flower girl to sprinkle before the bride walks down the aisle.

The Hawaiian bridal bouquet is usually a colorful and fragrant arrangement of Orchids, Ginger, Tuberose, Hibiscus, Anthuriums and Gardenias. The bridal bouquet seems to be a tribute to the wide variety and beauty of Hawaiian flowers. The Orchids provide a pop of purple, the Hibiscus flowers provide elegant dashes of red and the Anthuriums and ginger provide a pretty orange color.

Hawaiian flowers used in cosmetics
Hawaiian flowers and plants are widely used in the perfume and cosmetic industry. Flowers often have the potency to provide long lasting fragrances as well as some beneficial skin care properties. The use of floral extracts in naturally based products provides superior moisturizing, a markedly lower potential for irritation and a noticeable improvement in skin's texture and appearance. Additionally, these extracts have the ability to promote relaxation because of their aromatherapeutic properties. Some of the more popular flowers used in these types of preparations include, gardenia, pikake, hibiscus, Damask rose and plumeria.

Pikake is a well known ornamental flower, which grows in several tropical regions worldwide. It is commonly used to make Hawaiian leis and is a preferred addition to perfumes because of its enchanting fragrance. When the pikake extract is added to cosmetic formulations the resulting effect is softer skin that maintains a fresh floral scent. The ease in which it can be cultivated has made it an important element in the cosmetic industry. It is widely used in tropical lotions, body washes, body splashes, coconut soaps and Hawaiian perfumes and is considered a perfectly safe ingredient for daily application.

Damask Rose is the official plant of Maui, even though this plant is not native to Hawaii it has become a much loved species because of its versatility. The Damask rose is used not only in Hawaii but all around the world to make perfumes as well as rose water. Rose water is used to flavor cakes and other types of pastries, the petals of the rose may also be used dried to make potpourri or fresh as flavoring for salads or other meals.

Hawaiian flowers are beyond a doubt some of the most spectacular specimens the world has ever seen. They appear in a wide range of colors, are wonderfully fragrant and completely enthralling. They are the pride of the natives, with good reason, and have maintained their presence as a symbol of the islands' prosperity and inherent beauty.

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Interesting Facts On Hawaiian Flowers

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