'Okika o Hawai'i: Pressed for Time

Orchids have captivated humankind’s imagination since time immemorial.

Orchids are the largest and most diverse plant family on Earth. They are cosmopolitan, occurring in almost every habitat apart from deserts and glaciers. The majority are found in the tropics, mostly Asia, South America and Central America. They are found above the Arctic Circle, in southern Patagonia and even on Macquarie Island, close to Antarctica.

Historically considered a flower of the wealthy, the orchid has been transformed by humankind to become one of the most widely collected household plants.

In modern times, horticulturalists have artificially created more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars. Unfortunately, this global popularity has had serious consequences and today many orchids are threatened and endangered by loss of natural habitat, and over-collection.

In this exhibit, we present botanical prints and rare orchids native to the Hawaiian Islands; a living orchid garden; orchids in agricultural development, university research, and commercial enterprise in Hawai'i; cultural uses of the orchid; and, a diverse array of orchid inspired Oshibana artworks.

Ticket Information
Free and open to public during building hours

Event Sponsor
UH Library, Manoa Campus

More Information
Teri Skillman, 808-956-8688, skillman@hawaii.edu

Ongoing Events