Lyon Arboretum

Lyon Arboretum, officially the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, is a 194-acre tropical botanical garden and research facility located in the upper Manoa Valley of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It is part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and serves as a living museum dedicated to the conservation of tropical plants, particularly those native to Hawaii and the Pacific region. The arboretum's mission encompasses scientific research, environmental education, and the preservation of endangered plant species within its lush, rainforest setting.

History

The arboretum's origins trace back to 1918 when the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association established an experimental station for reforestation, led by botanist Harold L. Lyon. Initially focused on identifying fast-growing trees to protect Honolulu's watershed, the site was transferred to the University of Hawaii in 1953. Under the stewardship of the university's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, its scope expanded significantly. Key figures like Wendell H. Camp and Charles H. Lamoureux guided its transformation into a major center for tropical botany. The facility was officially renamed in honor of Harold L. Lyon in 1957, cementing its legacy in Hawaii's scientific community.

Collections and gardens

The arboretum houses over 5,000 taxa of tropical plants organized into thematic collections and ethnobotanical gardens. Significant areas include the Hawaiian Ethnobotanical Garden, which features plants used by Native Hawaiians for food, medicine, and culture, and the Aroid Garden, containing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Araceae. Other notable sections are the Ginger Garden, Palm Collection, and the Bromeliad Collection. The grounds also feature a dedicated Hawaiian Rare Plant Program greenhouse, a scenic Manoa Falls trail, and extensive plantings of heliconias, orchids, and native species like the endangered Hawaiian lobelioids.

Research and conservation

As a unit of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the arboretum is a hub for scientific research in plant systematics, ecology, and conservation biology. It houses the Hawaiian Rare Plant Program, a key initiative for propagating and reintroducing critically endangered native species. The facility's Seed Conservation Laboratory and micropropagation labs are vital for preserving genetic material. Researchers collaborate with institutions like the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian Institution on projects ranging from forest restoration to studying invasive species impacts. Its herbarium contains important specimens documenting Hawaii's unique flora.

Public programs and access

The arboretum offers a wide array of educational programs and community events to the public. These include guided tours, workshops on topics like lei making and native plant horticulture, and school field trips aligned with Hawaii Department of Education standards. The popular Manoa Falls hiking trail originates on its grounds, attracting visitors seeking recreational access to the rainforest. The facility also hosts cultural events, volunteer workdays, and a plant sale supporting its conservation work. Access is via a narrow road in upper Manoa Valley, with admission fees supporting its operational and educational missions.

Significance and recognition

Lyon Arboretum is recognized as a crucial institution for tropical plant conservation and a unique resource within the Pacific region. It is the only university-owned arboretum in the United States located in a tropical rainforest. Its work is supported by grants from entities like the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The arboretum plays a vital role in fulfilling the University of Hawaii's land-grant mission of research, education, and community service, while also serving as a green sanctuary and living laboratory in the heart of Honolulu.

Category:Arboretums in Hawaii Category:University of Hawaii Category:Botanical gardens in the United States Category:Honolulu Category:Protected areas of Oahu