National Tropical Botanical Garden

Offered in Miami, Florida November 8-14, 2026 The Hawai‘i-based National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is accepting applications for its Environmental Journalism Program offered this year in Miami, Florida on November 8–14.

Following an extreme Kona Low storm event, Kahanu Garden and Preserve is beginning recovery efforts. While our gardens on Kauaʻi remained largely unaffected, East Maui experienced over 30 inches of rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, creating a localized “wind tunnel” effect that significantly impacted Kahanu Garden and Preserve. Our living collections were most affected by the storm. There were numerous fallen trees, some initially blocking access to garden areas.

Celebrate Hawaiʻi’s native palms with free garden admission, educational activities, and a free loulu adoption! Loulu are Hawaiʻi’s only native palms. They are ecologically and culturally vital, serving as a primary resource for practices like hale construction and weaving.

For over thirty years, our team has been dedicated to restoring the health of Limahuli Valley — a sanctuary for irreplaceable biodiversity and Hawaiian heritage. Located on Kauaʻi’s north shore within the traditional ahupuaʻa of Hāʻena, Limahuli is one of the most biodiverse valleys in the islands. It is a refuge for rare native plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Threading the entire watershed of the valley together, from mountain to sea, is Limahuli Stream.

Click on any heading above to view more information about this plant Conservation Status IUCN: Not Evaluated USFWS: None Listed with PEP Your browser does not support the audio element. David Lorence, PhD, NTBG Director of Science, talking about the Hawaiian state flower Family: MALVACEAE Genus: Hibiscus Species: brackenridgei Species Author: A. Gray Subspecies: brackenridgei Vernacular: Ma'o Hau Hele Hibiscus brackenridgei is Hawai'i's State flower.

We are looking to planting oli, Hawaiian chants that ask for growth, to deepen our understanding and commitment to biocultural conservation. At its heart, biocultural conservation is about the inseparability of people and nature. This holistic approach prioritizes Indigenous knowledge, community involvement, and sustainable practices to realize a flourishing future.

By Jon Letman Thanks to our community of staff, supporters, and partners, 2025 was a year filled with important plant wins. With each new discovery, initiative, and innovation, we are growing a brighter future for plants and people together. Returning Ferns to Maui This autumn NTBG’s horticulture team, science and conservation staff, and outside collaborators returned more than 300 ferns representing seven native species to multiple locations on Maui.

Photo credit: Jim Wiseman The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) awarded Dr. Diane Ragone, founder and director emerita of NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute, the 2024 David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration. Dr. Ragone gave this presentation at the award ceremony, sharing her four-decade journey exploring, conserving, and promoting breadfruit.

Hear from Dr. Diange Ragone, founder and director emerita of NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute, share her journey conserving and studying breadfruit.

Photo credit: Jim Wiseman By Jon Letman In November, NTBG will present the David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration for 2024 to Dr. Diane Ragone, founder and director emerita of NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute for her contributions to science, horticulture, exploration, and the study and conservation of breadfruit.