Common (Translated Scientific) Name: `Ohi`a - Kauila - Wiliwili Lowland Dry Forest & Woodland Group

Colloquial Name: Hawaiian Lowland Dry Forest & Woodland

Hierarchy Level:  Group

Type Concept: This lowland dry forest and woodland group occurs on the main Hawaiian Islands. Vegetation is characterized by an open to dense tree layer typically dominated or codominated by a variety of mostly evergreen trees with diverse shrubs, ferns and lianas depending on location and age of stands. Lowland dry and mesic forests are exceptionally rich in tree species. Widespread species Metrosideros polymorpha is often present and may codominate in relatively young stands. Late-seral stands are dominated by Diospyros sandwicensis and, less commonly, Colubrina oppositifolia. In driest settings that support trees, summer-deciduous Erythrina sandwicensis may dominate. Presence of diagnostic tree species such as Acacia koaia, Erythrina sandwicensis, Gardenia brighamii, Hibiscadelphus spp., Kokia spp., Nesoluma polynesicum, Pritchardia remota, Reynoldsia sandwicensis, or shrubs Achyranthes spp., Nototrichium spp., or Tephrosia spp. indicate this dry lowland group. Other characteristics trees include Alphitonia ponderosa, Psydrax odorata, Nestegis sandwicensis, Pleomele spp., Pouteria sandwicensis, Rauvolfia sandwicensis, Santalum spp., Sapindus oahuense, and Sophora chrysophylla. Native shrubs include Chamaesyce spp., Dodonaea sp., Lipochaeta spp., Myrsine lanaiensis, Nothocestrum spp., Osteomeles sp., Plectranthus parviflorus, Plumbago zeylanica, Senna gaudichaudii, Sida sp., Styphelia sp., Tetramolopium spp., Waltheria sp., and Wikstroemia spp. Native vines include Bonamia menziesii, Canavalia spp., and Ipomoea spp. Native ferns include Doryopteris sp. and Pellaea ternifolia. Where substrate is rocky, lichens are often common. Almost all native lowland dry forests have been degraded and include some invasive exotic woody species such as Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, Schinus terebinthifolius, and widespread exotic grasses such as Andropogon virginicus, Pennisetum setaceum, and Schizachyrium condensatum. Stands dominated by exotic species either in the tree canopy or understory are classified in a ruderal group. Stands occur on dry slopes generally from 15-1000 m (50-3280 feet) elevation, but may extend to 1500 m (4920 feet). They are typically found on the leeward sides of islands where there is a strong rainshadow effect from high mountains that reduce precipitation from moisture-laden tradewinds. Annual rainfall is generally 500-2000 mm. Substrates include well-drained, sandy loam soils derived from volcanic ash or cinder and weathered `a`â or pâhoehoe basaltic lava.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Stands are characterized by presence of diagnostic tree species such as Acacia koaia, Colubrina oppositifolia, Erythrina sandwicensis, Gardenia brighamii, Hibiscadelphus spp., Kokia spp., Nesoluma polynesicum, Pritchardia remota, Reynoldsia sandwicensis, Sapindus oahuense, or the shrubs Achyranthes spp., Nototrichium spp., or Tephrosia spp. when dominated by more widespread species like Diospyros sandwicensis, Nestegis sandwicensis, Metrosideros polymorpha, and Sophora chrysophylla.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Many native lowland dry forests stands have been degraded and include some invasive exotic woody species such as Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, Schinus terebinthifolius, and widespread exotic grasses such as Andropogon virginicus, Pennisetum setaceum, and Schizachyrium condensatum. Stands dominated by exotic species in the tree canopy or understory are classified in a ruderal group, ~Polynesian Ruderal Dry Woodland & Scrub Group (G407)$$. Disturbed stands that lack diagnostic species may be inferred by dry-site characteristics.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available