• Maui's native yellow hibiscus is closely related to this pink species.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Maui, the Valley Isle, is the second largest of all the Hawaiian Islands and has many distinct and diverse ecosystems where native plants grow. Although some of these plants are endangered, a good number continues to exist. From the cold summit of Mt. Haleakala (over 10,000 feet) to the warmer coastal areas, Maui's native plants often fight for survival against introduced species.
  
  

Maui Silver Sword

• Although this plant looks much like a cactus or yucca, it is actually in the sunflower family. Its botanical name is Argyroxiphium sandwicense, subspecies macrocephalum. It thrives on the very arid slopes of Mt. Haleakala in soil that resembles gravel. The Silver sword occurs only on Maui, although a similar species, A. sandwicense, subspecies sandwicense, occurs at high elevations of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. When the plant is between six and 12 years old, it sends up a tall flower spike from the plant's center, and then the plant dies.
  
  

Koa

• The Acacia Koa is a relative of other types of acacia trees. It is a very large tree that occurs on Maui and other parts of Hawaii that receive up to 200 inches of rain a year. The koa had a larger population in earlier times, but is struggling for survival today. The valuable hardwood was often used for canoes and other building projects --- woodworkers today continue to value the wood for its attractive color and curly grain. Koa belongs to the large legume plant family and serves to enrich the soil where it grows with nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient.
  
  

Mamaki

• This native plant, known as Pipturis albidus, has been used on Maui and other Hawaiian islands to make tapa cloth since early times. Tapa makers compress the plant material into sheets that they dry, decorate and then use in making clothing and other items. A member of the Nettles plant family, mamaki has been used in the la'au lapa'au tradition of Hawaiian healing since ancient times. Today, dried leaves are available for sale: many people enjoy drinking tea made from this plant, believing it benefits their health.
  
  

Ma'o Hau Hele

• The native yellow hibiscus, or Hibiscus brackenridgei, is the Hawaii State flower. It occurs on all of the main islands, including Maui, but is listed as a federally listed endangered species. It grows as a shrub or small tree, up to 30 feet tall with a 10-foot spread. It thrives in sunny locations where the soil drains well and rainfall is not extreme, such as on the leeward side of the islands. It can tolerate drought and heat, but development and introduced plants and animals have caused it to become rare in the wild.