In news on our beloved ʻōhiʻa-lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), researchers have identified two, apparently new, fungi which are the cause of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, and given them Hawaiian names. This is the first time that Hawaiian has been used in binomial nomenclature (“scientific names”).
According the University of Hawaiʻi News:
When a new organism is found, the discovering scientist holds the responsibility of giving it a name. Because these fungi appeared for the first time in Hawaiʻi and attacked the revered ʻōhiʻa lehua, Keith felt it was important to consult with Hawaiian cultural experts in naming the new species. “I wanted to select Hawaiian names to reflect what was happening to the ʻōhiʻa. I consulted with Kekuhi [Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, of the Edith KanakaʻoleFoundation] and she consulted with her researchers and provided a short list of suggestions.”
Through a collaborative process, Keith and her team settled on the new names for the two fungal species: Ceratocystis huliohia (changes the natural state of ʻōhiʻa), and Ceratocystis lukuohia (destroyer of ʻōhiʻa). This marks the first time Hawaiian names have been given to plant pathogens. “In the Hawaiʻi world view, the presence of the fungus is a product of more than just the physicality of the disease,” says Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani. ”The names are necessary because the “thing” we need to confront and remove from our reality must have a name.”
Find more information at:
ʻŌhiʻa-killing Fungi Get Hawaiian Names