I think this photo was taken around 1970 by a former Ala Wai Boulevard neighbor Margaret Gage Bronson (Mount Holyoke College 1935) when she visited the Islands and we told her of our research and interests. I think this is the original Kaiulani banyan on Tuisitala Street not far from the old Hawaiian royal palace, but it had a twin about a block and a half west across present Kauilani Street. Can anyone research the introduction of banyans to the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific groups such as Pitcaign Island, where I do not think they were native, mostly originating in Asia? Some were sacred in India, China, and other regions, and the details of species and varieties is very interesting at least to some of us. There is a possibility of bird dispersal of seeds, but human introduction is more likely and deliberate. There were some in Kapiolani Park in eastern Waikiki where I used to play when quite young. Of course they are related to figs, and in nature land in the upper branches of host trees and eventually choke them off. Any information on banyans generally bus especially in Pacific areas would be much appreciated - particularly early dates of introduction.
I think this photo was taken around 1970 by a former Ala Wai Boulevard neighbor Margaret Gage Bronson (Mount Holyoke College 1935) when she visited the Islands and we told her of our research and interests. I think this is the original Kaiulani banyan on Tuisitala Street not far from the old Hawaiian royal palace, but it had a twin about a block and a half west across present Kauilani Street.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone research the introduction of banyans to the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific groups such as Pitcaign Island, where I do not think they were native, mostly originating in Asia? Some were sacred in India, China, and other regions, and the details of species and varieties is very interesting at least to some of us. There is a possibility of bird dispersal of seeds, but human introduction is more likely and deliberate. There were some in Kapiolani Park in eastern Waikiki where I used to play when quite young. Of course they are related to figs, and in nature land in the upper branches of host trees and eventually choke them off. Any information on banyans generally bus especially in Pacific areas would be much appreciated - particularly early dates of introduction.
John Barrett