ʻŌhai Aliʻi
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Natural Setting / Location: Tropical America
ʻŌhai ali'i is a slender tree that can grow from 9' - 24' tall. Its name derives from the flowers’ various colors: red has long been associated with aliʻi (chiefs), and yellow was equally treasured as it was rarer to be found among the feathers of the ʻōʻō bird that were attached to the making of royal adornments. ʻŌhai aliʻi also has a pink variety. The small, soft, feathery flowers are sewn into a lei kui, either in a single or rope style. The lei ʻōhai aliʻi symbolizes prestige and is commonly gifted to honor a recipient for an achievement.
