| The African tulip tree, like many others in the forests of present- day Hawaii, was unnaturally introduced and is replacing many native plant species. Though beautiful, it is almost weed like in its ability to grow quickly and thrive in a range of forest types. Ninety percent of Hawaiian plants are found nowhere else in the world, along with 99% of land animals and most Hawaiian birds, 30% of which are already extinct. Invasion of non-native species is one of the greatest threats to the unique flora and fauna of the islands. |
