Category: Aloha Spirit

Five Surprising Facts About Orchids

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Here are five interesting facts you may not have known about one of the most popular flowers in the world:

1. There are more than 25,000 documented species of orchid, and scientists are finding more every day.

The family Orchidacea is home to more than 25,000 flower species. Scientists suspect that there are more species in the topical areas of the world, and horticulturalists hybridize the flower to create new species that wouldn’t occur in nature, and giving rise to some of the most popular varieties of the plant in existence. [Photo: Orchids of Latin America]

2. Orchids have a symmetry similar to human faces.

Much of the reason orchids are so widespread is thanks in part to humans’ affinity for and desire to grow them. The symmetry of the flower could have a lot to do with why people are so fond of orchids. An orchid has bilateral symmetry — like a human face — so if a line is drawn vertically down the middle of the flower, the two halves are mirror images of each other.

3. Orchids are masters of deception.

Orchids deceive insects into pollinating them. The reproductive parts of many orchid flowers are shaped and colored to look like the kind of insect they hope to attract. Once the insect is interested, the orchid’s pollen sticks to the bug until it flies off to find another orchid that it mistakes for a mate.

4. Scientists found fossilized orchid pollen on the back of a bee.

Pollen from an ancient orchid was found on the back of a bee encased in amber, as detailed in a 2007 study in the journal Nature. The fossil was dated to around 10 million or 15 million years ago, but the orchid family is far older. Some research even dates some species of orchid to around 120 million years ago, before the continents split into their current form.

Two species of orchids whose natural habitats are thousands of miles apart are actually closely related. Scientists think that the plants probably had a common ancestor before they were separated by continental drift.

5. Vanilla is a species of orchid.

Perhaps one of the most popular species of orchids, the “flat leafed” vanilla plant is also one of the most widespread. Horticulturalists all over Latin America cultivate the plant for its flavorful charms.

Marquesans: Why Did They Come to Hawaii?

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Hawaiian Islands

There are many different theories about why the people of the Marquesas Island people came to Hawaii.  Some believe that it is war, a severe climate or lack of resources forced them to leave their home land. Other believe that they arrived in search of better fishing grounds as they tended to fish way out at sea. It is thought that the first group of Marquesans arrived  in Hawaiian Islands about A.D. 447 settling in Waimanalo, O’hau at Bellows Beach on the windward side of the island.

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Mauitopia: ~Eona~ Renaissance Man

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Get ready to be inspired on this musical, creative, colorful, artistic & deeply moving episode of Mauitopia, this time we sit with a modern renaissance man, EONA, his gifts & creations have literally made the world a better & more beautiful place. He performs on many of his unique hand crafted instruments, he blows our mind in a nice way with incredible contributions to the world at large. You will be uplifted & given goosebumps for sure!  Viva Lovevolution!

Living Aloha Is Like Valentine’s Day Every Day

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Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers. It’s actually Relationships Day. Today is a perfect opportunity for you to reflect on the connections you have with your friends, family, colleagues, and even pets. Healthy relationships are part of what we call primary food – the aspects of life that nourish your soul and satisfy your hunger for life. So, starting today, add more dimension to an already bountiful day of potential by nurturing your relationships to bring more love and intimacy into your life. Live Aloha, dear family and friends.