Ralph Hosmer
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Hawaii's first territorial forester.
Plants and animals that were brought to Hawaii by people are called "alien". The trees of Hosmer's Grove include pine, spruce, cedar and eucalyptus imported from all over the world. They were planted around 1910 by Hawaii's first territorial forester, Ralph Hosmer, as part of a forestry experiment. Most of the grasses seen in this area are also aliens that became established when cattle were grazed here.
Hosmer's plan for timber farming in Hawaii never worked out. Only 20 of the 86 species introduced here survived. Of these, some with shallow roots are blown down in storms. Some found the soil chemistry or fungi unsuitable for growth or reproduction. But others have thrived. Some trees have escaped from Hosmer's experimental forest. The Mexican Weeping pine, Monterey pine, and eucalyptus are aggressively seeding and must be constantly tended to prevent them from overrunning the natives.
