Loulu: The Hawaiian Palm

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Winner of the 2013 Ka Palapala Po'okela Award for Excellence in Natural Science Forewords by Paul R. Weissich and William S. Merwin The only native palms in Hawaii, loulu are among the Islands most distinctive s. Several of the 24 recognized species are rare and endangered and all make handsome and appropriate ornamentals to adorn gardens and landscapes with their dramatic foliage, colorful flower clusters, and conspicuous fruits. In this volume, Donald Hodel shares his expertise on loulu, having traveled extensively throughout Hawaii to research and photograph nearly all the species in their native habitat. In the course of his work, he described and named three loulu that were new to science. Each of the 24 species of Pritchardia discussed is treated in detail and this book is handsomely illustrated with more than 200 color photographs that clearly show leaves, flower stalks, fruits, and habitat. Chapters on loulu history, botany, ecology, conservation, uses, and propagation and culture provide essential background information for readers, whatever their level of interest or expertise. Chapter 2, 'The Guide to Loulu,' presents individual species of loulu in order of the currently accepted scientific or botanical name, followed by the common name/names, with color photos of each species (habitat, flower, stalks, fruits) within its related account. In the appendices, they will find a concise summary of loulu, lists of species by island, and an illustrated compendium of exotic, naturalized palms of Hawaii and relatives of loulu found throughout the South Pacific. As interest in growing and conserving native Hawaiian s surges while their numbers and habitat continue to decline, Loulu: The Hawaiian Palm will be valued as one of the most comprehensive and thoroughly illustrated s of these exceptional s. 255 color illus., 37 s