ʻŌhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha), is the most abundant native tree found across Hawaiʻi. Today, ʻōhiʻa are dying from a new disease caused by two fungal pathogens: Ceratocystis lukuohia, the more agressive fungus and Ceratocystis huliohia, the less agreessive of the two.
Healthy trees appear to die within a few days to a few weeks, which is how the disease came to be called “Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.” This disease has killed trees in all districts of Hawaiʻi Island and has been detected on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Help prevent spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death by practicing these five things:
1. Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa.
2. Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts.
3. Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.
4. Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering forests.
5. Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle to remove all soil or mud.
Other useful tips to help save ʻŌhiʻa:
For more information on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, visit: https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod/