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Cover title. ; Bibliography: p. 20. ; Mode of access: Internet.

Many tree species have been introduced into Hawaii from around the world (Bryan and Walker i962, Hillebrand 1965, St. John 1973). Trial introductions of new species for various forestry purposes began in the 19th century and are still continuing. Walker (1887), Judd (1915); Lyon (1929), Zschokke (1930), Bryan (1947), and Whitesell (1971, 1974), among others, have reported on some of the tree adaptability trials of government agencies and private organizations. But generally, adequate followup appraisals of the adaptability of species to the planting sites have not been performed, or at least have not been documented. Nelson (1965) compiled available information about plantings made by the Hawaii Division of Forestry between 1908 and 1960. This new research developed listings of the species planted, the locations of plantings, and the number of seedlings and dates of plantings. The purpose was to provide a general tabular reference on forest tree species introduced to Hawaii, and to guide field appraisals of selected tree species already introduced on forest sites. The present report summarizes appraisals of the adaptability of selected species. The appraisals are based on field observations and measurements, and seek to evaluate adaptability, growth, and form. Information on 31 species is presented in tabular form (p. 13), and the Species Notes provide additional comment on each species' characteristics, including its value as sawtimber and its flowering and fruiting habit. Recommendations for further research are also given.

Few areas in the world have so many introduced plants as the Hawaiian Islands. Government agencies, private organizations, and many individuals have engaged in sometimes major efforts to bring in useful species. lntroducing new species for forestry purposes began well before the turn of the century and is still continuing. Follow -up appraisal of the . adaptability of introduced trees forms an important part of forestry research. The Hawaii Forestry Division (and its predecessor agencies) has probably been the most active in tree introduction work. As early as 1887 Walker (1887) reported that "The Government Plantation on the hills between Makiki and Pauoa . now contains . about 200, 000 trees of useful species which have by selection from a much larger number experimented upon, been cultivated as amongst those found to' flourish ' in this climate . " In 1912; Ralph S. Hosmer, Superintendent of Forestry, emphasized: "An important phase. of forest work in Hawaii is the introduction into the Territory of exotic trees of economic importance. This is a line of investigation that should receive much greater attention than has been given it in recent years" (Hawaii Board of Commissioners of Agriculture and Forestry 1912). In the same report he described some experimental plantings. Such tree introduction work has continued over the years; the Waiakea Arboretum in Hilo includes the latest major group of introduced species (Richmond 1963). Many but not all of the introduced species have been appraised for forestry purposes. In 1886, Lubker (1886) wrote of Acacia dealbata and A. pycnantha: " . already it is plain, that there cannot be any other kinds of trees, which are better adapted to these islands for the purpose of Arbor culture. " Zschokke (1930) reviewed the adaptability and use of several species, mainly as windbreaks and for erosion control and fuelwood. Bryan (1947) made a significant contribution by rating the adaptability and use of most species introduced to the Big Island up to 1946. Carlson and Bryan (1959) provided detailed information about several important timber species. No sustained efforts have been made to maintain organized records of all introductions throughout the Islands. Nor has an organized attempt been made to evaluate their adaptability on the many different sites in Hawaii. Among the many hundreds of introductions are possibly some valuable "sleepers." .Similarly, some potentially valuable species that could and should be brought in have, no doubt, been overlooked.