Native Hawaiian Plants & Trees
Lehua 'Ahihi, a beautiful addition to any mala. Cousin to 'Ohia Lehua of Big Island, the 'Ahihi was endemic to the island of Oahu. Ho'okanu in full sun, acts as a canopy to provide shade & wind protection to neighboring plants.
'Ihi Molokini, not endangered but extremely rare, this is Hawaii's own succulent. Found in the wild on Molokini and Kaho'olawe. Drought and salt tolerate, she's able to grow on her own with little to no care.
Palapalai, found in every Hawaiian forest and usually tucked in and around the roots of large canopy trees. Used in ancient times to cure hehene(mental issues) and used as offerings. We usually see hula dancers adorned kupe'e & lei po'o made of palapalai. She likes cool, shady places with deep rich moist soil.
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Mamaki, a 'must-have' in every mala! You will not regret having this super plant. Boil the leaves a make a calming tea to relieve muscle aches, tension and lower high blood pressure. Kanaka ate the berries as a mild laxitive. Ho'okanu in a shady area with well drained soil.
'Olena, this is tumeric. Used for cooking, tea, tinctures, and much more. Not to mention its high prized beautiful flower then Pua 'Olena. Easy to grow, prefers sun but also shade tolerate.
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Kalo, a staple to kanaka maoli and all Pacific Isanders. You can eat the whole plant, leaves/stems for luau & laulau and ofcourse the kalo! Mea aku wet or on dryland in full sun.
Ko'oloa 'Ula - Endangered red 'Ilima. Prized possession amongst gardeners. Her beautiful hibiscus shaped 'ula'ula blossom drapes downward offers the perfect accent to any xeriscape garden. This is a drought tolerant plant, meaning it needs little watering and prefers full sun.
'Ohia Lehua, the crown of our moku. Appropriately so as she is one of the first trees to sprout up after a lava flow. She prefers full sun, well drained soil. There are Lehua forests on the sea cliffs of Kalapana to the lush mountain view area. This is truly a resilient & variable kumu la'au.
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