Pink Wood Sorrel

Pink Wood Sorrel
Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa
(oks-AL-iss)
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This pretty little pink Hawaiian Wildflower was blooming at Iao Valley State Park on Maui. It was growing in the crack in some paving stones and was delight to find blooming. The family Oxalidaceae is a large one (over 900 species) with about 800 species belonging to one of the eight genera in Oxalidaceae, Oxalis.

This flower was about 2 inches tall and required what I call a down and dirty shot of getting on my knees and steadying the camera on the ground. It was shot with my point and shoot camera (Nikon P6000) because that camera provides the best minimum focusing distance of 1.6" or 4cm of any camera/lens that I have. Luckily I didn’t have to embarrass the people with me and lay down completely on the ground to get this picture.

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The Iao Valley State Park is home to much Hawaiian heritage and of course the dramatic Iao Needle (Kuka`emoku), which is only vaguely represented in this picture. Having been to the island of Maui four times now I was determined to see the Needle this last time. I was glad we made the trip. As both the park and surrounding area had great scenery and a good trail system that was easily accessed. The views were pretty amazing and the p&s camera didn’t quite capture them the best but you can get a small idea of what it looked like. The needle itself rises 2,250-feet from the surrounding Pu'u Kukui Crater, which you can see the edge of on the right side of the needle. We were lucky the Needle was out in full view because clouds often obscure it. It was nice and sunny and even a bit hot when we visited. I would recommend the trip up the valley for a short diversion if you have time while visiting Maui.