lehua

From Hawaiian lehua.

• IPA^(key): /ləˈhuːə/, /leɪˈhuːə/
• Rhymes: -uːə

lehua (plural lehuas)

1. The flower or wood of a Polynesian tree (Metrosideros collina); the tree itself.
   • 1910, The Hawaiian Forester and Agriculturist, page 165:

     Here were the three tents overshadowed by the great lehuas, still brilliant with their cardinal blossoms.

   • 2007 April 29, Greg Evans, “‘Dragnet’ With Leis, and the Occasional Ghost”, in New York Times‎:

     The outlandishness of the capers in this first season might surprise viewers who remember “Hawaii Five-0” as “Dragnet” with lehua blossoms.

   • 2012, Julia Flynn Siler, Lost Kingdom, Grove Press, page 222:

     After breakfast, she looked forward to the bouquet of red lehua blossoms and other flowers brought to her every day.

• Eulah, HALEU, Lahue