Rapid ‛Ōhi‛a Death

Rapid ‛Ōhi‛a Death

Rapid ‛Ōhi‛a Death is a fungal disease that is affecting our native ‛ōhi‛a trees. Once infected, healthy trees begin to die within a few days to a few weeks. ROD infected trees have been found in all areas on the Big Island as well as small pockets on Maui, O‛ahu and Kaua‛i.

For more information visit the Rapid ‛Ōhi‛a Death website!

picture shows a healthy native forest in Lower Puna, taken in 2005 — 2005 – healthy lower wetland forest

picture dead stands of ohia trees that have been infected with rapid ohia death, taken in 2015 — 2005 – healthy lower wetland forest

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Photo: JB Friday

Impacts:

‘Ohi’a trees are an important part of recharging our aquafers and providing us with water.
‘Ohi’a are key part of our native forests.

Symptoms of ROD:

Leaves on ‘ohi’a trees rapidly turn yellow then brown.
Sometimes a single limb or branch turns brown before the rest of the tree.
When dead trees are cut down there is a dark staining in the xylem (outter ring of the trunk)

Help Prevent the Spread of ROD…

Avoid injuring ‛ōhi‛a.
Don’t move ‛ōhi‛a wood or ‛ōhi‛a parts.
Don’t transport ‛ōhi‛a inter-island.
Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering forests.
Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle to remove all soil or mud.