The Hawaii Island Palm Society invites the public to a free PowerPoint presentation and discussion of Fiji’s palms by Don Hodel at 7 p.m. Friday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Room UCB100.
The Hawaii Island Palm Society invites the public to a free PowerPoint presentation and discussion of Fiji’s palms by Don Hodel at 7 p.m. Friday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Room UCB100.
In his presentation, Hodel will show the many varied species of Fiji palms, from the delicate 9- to 12-foot Balaka seemannii to the robust Hydriastele boumae, which is as tall as a coconut.
About half of Fiji’s indigenous palms are on the world list of endangered plants.
Hawaii palm enthusiasts have discovered that many of Fiji’s palms will grow in Hawaii and add great beauty and variety to the landscape. Several of these palms will be offered for door prizes to attendees.
In addition, Hodel will discuss Juania australis, one of the world’s rarest palms, known only to be from Juan Fernandez Island — of Robinson Crusoe fame — off the coast of Chile.
Hodel has authored six books about palms, including “A Guide to Hawaiian Pritchardia,” which is currently at the publishers. He also frequently authors articles for the International Palm Society publication “Palms.”
For more information about this event or the Hawaii Island Palm Society, contact HIPS President Tim Brian at 333-5626 or visit the society website at www.hawaiiislandpalmsociety.com.