Hawaii Landscape Architect Plant Materials Exam
Study Guide:
500 Questions with Answers & Rationales |
Hawaii State Board of Landscape Architects 2026
This is a comprehensive 500-question study guide for the Hawaii Landscape Architect Plant
Materials Exam. The guide covers all major topic areas including:
- Native Hawaiian Plants (Endemic and Indigenous Species)
- Polynesian Introductions and Canoe Plants
- Rare and Endangered Species
- Invasive and Nuisance Species
- Landscape Design Principles Using Native Plants
- Propagation and Cultivation Techniques
- Ecological and Cultural Considerations
- Medicinal, Material, and Cultural Applications
- Plant Ecology and Conservation
- Plant Identification and Characteristics
For optimal exam preparation, candidates should:
1. Review all sections thoroughly, focusing on areas of weakness
2. Study the rationales to understand the underlying concepts
3. Visit native Hawaiian plant gardens and natural areas for hands-on identification practice
4. Engage with cultural practitioners and native plant nurseries
5. Stay informed about current conservation issues and invasive species management
6. Review the Hawaii State Board of Landscape Architects regulations and examination guidelines
1
,Mahalo nui loa for your dedication to sustainable, culturally appropriate, and ecologically sound
landscape architecture in Hawai'i. May your designs honor the 'āina and contribute to the well-
being of the land, the people, and future generations.
Aloha 'āina!
SECTION 1: NATIVE HAWAIIAN PLANTS – ENDEMIC AND INDIGENOUS SPECIES
1. Which of the following is an endemic Hawaiian plant found only in Hawai'i?
A. 'Ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
B. Kukui (Aleurites moluccanus)
C. Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
D. Ti (Cordyline fruticosa)
Answer: A. 'Ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
Rationale: 'Ōhi'a lehua is endemic to Hawai'i, meaning it evolved in the Hawaiian Islands
and is found naturally nowhere else in the world. Kukui, noni, and ti are all Polynesian
introductions brought by early voyagers. 'Ōhi'a is one of the most abundant native trees in
Hawai'i and exhibits remarkable morphological variation across different elevations and
environments, with over 50 recognized varieties.
2. The 'ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is significant in Hawaiian culture as the tree
associated with:
A. Pele, the volcano goddess
B. Laka, the hula goddess
2
,C. Kāne, the creator god
D. Kū, the war god
Answer: A. Pele, the volcano goddess
Rationale: 'Ōhi'a is sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and its lehua flowers are intimately
connected with her. The tree is one of the first to colonize new lava flows, making it a
powerful symbol of life emerging from volcanic destruction. Hawaiian legends tell of 'Ōhi'a,
a warrior transformed into the tree, and his lover Lehua, who became the flower,
symbolizing eternal devotion.
3. What is the primary threat currently affecting 'ōhi'a lehua forests in Hawai'i?
A. Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD)
B. Avocado lace bug
C. Coconut rhinoceros beetle
D. Little fire ant
Answer: A. Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD)
Rationale: Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD) is a devastating fungal disease caused by Ceratocystis
fimbriata and C. lukuohia that has killed millions of 'ōhi'a trees across Hawai'i Island and
Kaua'i. The disease causes rapid browning of leaves and death within weeks to months.
Landscape architects must be aware of quarantine restrictions and best management
practices to prevent spread, including cleaning equipment and avoiding wounding trees
during construction.
4. Which of the following is an indigenous Hawaiian plant (found both in Hawai'i and
elsewhere naturally)?
A. Hala (Pandanus tectorius)
B. 'Ākia (Wikstroemia uva-ursi)
C. Ma'o (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
D. 'Ilima (Sida fallax)
3
, Answer: A. Hala (Pandanus tectorius)
Rationale: Hala is indigenous to Hawai'i, meaning it arrived naturally via long-distance
dispersal (ocean currents, wind, or birds) without human assistance, but is also found
throughout the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The others listed are endemic
to Hawai'i. Hala's distinctive prop roots and screw-like leaf arrangement make it an iconic
coastal plant useful for erosion control.
5. The koa tree (Acacia koa) is prized for its wood. Which of the following describes its
native habitat?
A. Lowland dry forests
B. Mesic to wet forests at higher elevations
C. Coastal strand
D. Wetlands and stream banks
Answer: B. Mesic to wet forests at higher elevations
Rationale: Koa grows naturally in mesic to wet forests at elevations ranging from 300 to
2,000 meters (approximately 1,000 to 6,500 feet), often occurring in mixed-species stands
with 'ōhi'a. It thrives in well-drained, deep soils and is rarely found in coastal or dry
lowland areas. Koa is Hawaii's largest native tree, reaching heights of over 100 feet, and its
prized wood is used in furniture, crafts, and canoe building.
6. Koa (Acacia koa) exhibits which unique leaf morphology as it matures?
A. Bipinnately compound leaves (juvenile) to sickle-shaped phyllodes (adult)
B. Simple leaves throughout its life
C. Needle-like leaves
D. Palmate compound leaves
Answer: A. Bipinnately compound leaves (juvenile) to sickle-shaped phyllodes (adult)
4
Study Guide:
500 Questions with Answers & Rationales |
Hawaii State Board of Landscape Architects 2026
This is a comprehensive 500-question study guide for the Hawaii Landscape Architect Plant
Materials Exam. The guide covers all major topic areas including:
- Native Hawaiian Plants (Endemic and Indigenous Species)
- Polynesian Introductions and Canoe Plants
- Rare and Endangered Species
- Invasive and Nuisance Species
- Landscape Design Principles Using Native Plants
- Propagation and Cultivation Techniques
- Ecological and Cultural Considerations
- Medicinal, Material, and Cultural Applications
- Plant Ecology and Conservation
- Plant Identification and Characteristics
For optimal exam preparation, candidates should:
1. Review all sections thoroughly, focusing on areas of weakness
2. Study the rationales to understand the underlying concepts
3. Visit native Hawaiian plant gardens and natural areas for hands-on identification practice
4. Engage with cultural practitioners and native plant nurseries
5. Stay informed about current conservation issues and invasive species management
6. Review the Hawaii State Board of Landscape Architects regulations and examination guidelines
1
,Mahalo nui loa for your dedication to sustainable, culturally appropriate, and ecologically sound
landscape architecture in Hawai'i. May your designs honor the 'āina and contribute to the well-
being of the land, the people, and future generations.
Aloha 'āina!
SECTION 1: NATIVE HAWAIIAN PLANTS – ENDEMIC AND INDIGENOUS SPECIES
1. Which of the following is an endemic Hawaiian plant found only in Hawai'i?
A. 'Ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
B. Kukui (Aleurites moluccanus)
C. Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
D. Ti (Cordyline fruticosa)
Answer: A. 'Ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
Rationale: 'Ōhi'a lehua is endemic to Hawai'i, meaning it evolved in the Hawaiian Islands
and is found naturally nowhere else in the world. Kukui, noni, and ti are all Polynesian
introductions brought by early voyagers. 'Ōhi'a is one of the most abundant native trees in
Hawai'i and exhibits remarkable morphological variation across different elevations and
environments, with over 50 recognized varieties.
2. The 'ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is significant in Hawaiian culture as the tree
associated with:
A. Pele, the volcano goddess
B. Laka, the hula goddess
2
,C. Kāne, the creator god
D. Kū, the war god
Answer: A. Pele, the volcano goddess
Rationale: 'Ōhi'a is sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and its lehua flowers are intimately
connected with her. The tree is one of the first to colonize new lava flows, making it a
powerful symbol of life emerging from volcanic destruction. Hawaiian legends tell of 'Ōhi'a,
a warrior transformed into the tree, and his lover Lehua, who became the flower,
symbolizing eternal devotion.
3. What is the primary threat currently affecting 'ōhi'a lehua forests in Hawai'i?
A. Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD)
B. Avocado lace bug
C. Coconut rhinoceros beetle
D. Little fire ant
Answer: A. Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD)
Rationale: Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD) is a devastating fungal disease caused by Ceratocystis
fimbriata and C. lukuohia that has killed millions of 'ōhi'a trees across Hawai'i Island and
Kaua'i. The disease causes rapid browning of leaves and death within weeks to months.
Landscape architects must be aware of quarantine restrictions and best management
practices to prevent spread, including cleaning equipment and avoiding wounding trees
during construction.
4. Which of the following is an indigenous Hawaiian plant (found both in Hawai'i and
elsewhere naturally)?
A. Hala (Pandanus tectorius)
B. 'Ākia (Wikstroemia uva-ursi)
C. Ma'o (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
D. 'Ilima (Sida fallax)
3
, Answer: A. Hala (Pandanus tectorius)
Rationale: Hala is indigenous to Hawai'i, meaning it arrived naturally via long-distance
dispersal (ocean currents, wind, or birds) without human assistance, but is also found
throughout the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The others listed are endemic
to Hawai'i. Hala's distinctive prop roots and screw-like leaf arrangement make it an iconic
coastal plant useful for erosion control.
5. The koa tree (Acacia koa) is prized for its wood. Which of the following describes its
native habitat?
A. Lowland dry forests
B. Mesic to wet forests at higher elevations
C. Coastal strand
D. Wetlands and stream banks
Answer: B. Mesic to wet forests at higher elevations
Rationale: Koa grows naturally in mesic to wet forests at elevations ranging from 300 to
2,000 meters (approximately 1,000 to 6,500 feet), often occurring in mixed-species stands
with 'ōhi'a. It thrives in well-drained, deep soils and is rarely found in coastal or dry
lowland areas. Koa is Hawaii's largest native tree, reaching heights of over 100 feet, and its
prized wood is used in furniture, crafts, and canoe building.
6. Koa (Acacia koa) exhibits which unique leaf morphology as it matures?
A. Bipinnately compound leaves (juvenile) to sickle-shaped phyllodes (adult)
B. Simple leaves throughout its life
C. Needle-like leaves
D. Palmate compound leaves
Answer: A. Bipinnately compound leaves (juvenile) to sickle-shaped phyllodes (adult)
4
