By the same authors
THE TROPICAL GARDEN
Its design, horticulture and plant materials.

Copyright 1943
By Loraine E. Kuck and Richard C. Tongg
All rights reserved.
Printed in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.

Preface

The working title of this book during its preparation wasthat question so often on the lips of tourists in Hawaii,

“What flower is that?”

Had there still been tourists in Honolulu, it is likely thatthat name would have been used on the cover, for the book isdesigned to help answer it. Now that the islands are filled withvisitors intent on more serious business than pleasure, it hasseemed best to call it simply “Hawaiian Flowers.” It is publishedat this time in the hope that some of these visitors may find init an hour’s escape from the strain and pressure of war. For, inspite of war, the flowers still bloom in Honolulu, often right overthe bomb shelters that fill gardens and parks.

In using the book to help identify the island flowers, it ishoped that the color plates and descriptions together, will makeit fairly easy for the layman. Persons interested in more seriousstudy will know how to go to more technical works for information.Care has been taken to have each name accurate to aid thosegoing to the accepted authorities.

In making the color plates the attempt has been made tohave them both artistic and scientific, a difficult undertakingunder any circumstances. In striving to present pictures of individualflowers so they may be identified, it has been necessary,at times, to sacrifice the gorgeous effects presented in nature bymasses of these flowers; such, for instance, as is seen on theShower trees. The writers wish to take this opportunity to thankiiTed Mundorff, the artist, for his trouble in making the reproductionsas accurate as possible.

They wish, also, to express appreciation to Mr. Edward L.Caum, botanist with the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ ExperimentStation, for reading the manuscript and checking the botanicalinformation it contains. Mrs. Arthur Silverman, in the Libraryof Hawaii, has been most helpful in looking up obscure references.

Works consulted in preparing the book include Rock’s“Ornamental Trees of Hawaii,” and his “Indigenous Trees ofHawaii”; Marie Neal’s book, “In Honolulu Gardens” and Bailey’sCyclopedia of Horticulture.

Honolulu, 1943

Contents

PAGE

Introduction

Where to See Hawaiian Flowers 11

Chapter I

Hawaii’s Own Flower, The Hibiscus 17

Chapter II

The Blossoming Trees 23

Chapter III

...