Common Forest Trees of Hawaii

Book excerpt: Common Forest Trees of Hawaii, first published in 1989 as USDA Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 679, is an illustrated reference for identifying the common trees in the forests of Hawaii. Useful information about each species is also compiled, including Hawaiian, English, and scientific names; description; distribution within the islands and beyond; uses of wood and other products; and additional notes. The 152 species described and illustrated by line drawings comprise 60 native species (including 53 that are endemic), 85 species introduced after the arrival of Europeans, and 7 species introduced apparently by the early Hawaiians. One chapter is devoted to forests and forestry in Hawaii. Maps of the Hawaiian Islands show the physical features and place names, major forest types, and forest reserves and conservation districts. Each tree species is illustrated by a full-page line drawing.