Hawaiian Name: ‘A‘ali‘i
Scientific Name: Dodonaea viscosa
Family: Sapindaceae (Lychee Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to part sun exposure Elevation range: 10 to 7,700 feet
Height: Up to 30 feet, with a spread of up to 15 feet
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the durable wood of ‘a‘ali‘i was used to make house posts and spears. The fruits were used to make a red kapa dye, and its flowers were used in lei making. Medicinally, ‘a‘ali‘i leaves were mixed with other plants in a remedy to treat skin rashes (‘ohune or mane‘o). Prune sparingly, as ‘a‘ali‘i does not heal well when major branches are cut. ‘A‘ali‘i is drought and wind resistant, and highly adaptable.
‘Ōlelo Noeau: He ‘a‘ali‘i ku makani mai au; ‘a‘ohe makani nana e kula‘i.
Translation: I am a wind-resting ‘a‘ali‘i; no gale can push me over.
Meaning: A boast saying, "I can hold my own, even in the face of difficulties." The ‘a‘ali‘i can stand the worst of gales, twisting and bending but seldom breaking off or falling over.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Scientific Name: Dodonaea viscosa
Family: Sapindaceae (Lychee Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to part sun exposure Elevation range: 10 to 7,700 feet
Height: Up to 30 feet, with a spread of up to 15 feet
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the durable wood of ‘a‘ali‘i was used to make house posts and spears. The fruits were used to make a red kapa dye, and its flowers were used in lei making. Medicinally, ‘a‘ali‘i leaves were mixed with other plants in a remedy to treat skin rashes (‘ohune or mane‘o). Prune sparingly, as ‘a‘ali‘i does not heal well when major branches are cut. ‘A‘ali‘i is drought and wind resistant, and highly adaptable.
‘Ōlelo Noeau: He ‘a‘ali‘i ku makani mai au; ‘a‘ohe makani nana e kula‘i.
Translation: I am a wind-resting ‘a‘ali‘i; no gale can push me over.
Meaning: A boast saying, "I can hold my own, even in the face of difficulties." The ‘a‘ali‘i can stand the worst of gales, twisting and bending but seldom breaking off or falling over.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: A‘e (Maua)
Botanical name: Xylosma hawaiiense
Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 800 to 4,000 feet
Height: 10 to 35 feet (sometimes up to 60 feet), with a spread about equal to half its height
Notes: A‘e usually blooms in the summer months, but blooming varies according to its locality and environment. The inedible fruits are deep red to purple with a few black seeds. The liko (new leaves) of a‘e are the striking feature of this tree, with colors of dark red, magenta, orange, yellow and/or chartreuse. In old Hawai‘i, the hard and dense wood was fashioned into poi pounders. A‘e is the Maui name for this species. On other islands, it is known as maua.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Xylosma hawaiiense
Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 800 to 4,000 feet
Height: 10 to 35 feet (sometimes up to 60 feet), with a spread about equal to half its height
Notes: A‘e usually blooms in the summer months, but blooming varies according to its locality and environment. The inedible fruits are deep red to purple with a few black seeds. The liko (new leaves) of a‘e are the striking feature of this tree, with colors of dark red, magenta, orange, yellow and/or chartreuse. In old Hawai‘i, the hard and dense wood was fashioned into poi pounders. A‘e is the Maui name for this species. On other islands, it is known as maua.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Ae‘ae
Botanical name: Bacopa monnieri
Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Moist to wet, with full to partial sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 690 feet
Height: 2 to 6 inches tall, with an up to 4 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ae‘ae provide an excellent habitat and hiding place for invertebrates that serve as a food source for Hawaii’s native waterfowl such as ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot). Early Hawaiian uses of this plant are unknown, but the entire plant is used medicinally in India. In India, ‘ae‘ae is being researched for antioxidant properties to help the nervous system, and to improve memory and mental functions. ‘Ae‘ae is wind and salt tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Bacopa monnieri
Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Moist to wet, with full to partial sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 690 feet
Height: 2 to 6 inches tall, with an up to 4 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ae‘ae provide an excellent habitat and hiding place for invertebrates that serve as a food source for Hawaii’s native waterfowl such as ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot). Early Hawaiian uses of this plant are unknown, but the entire plant is used medicinally in India. In India, ‘ae‘ae is being researched for antioxidant properties to help the nervous system, and to improve memory and mental functions. ‘Ae‘ae is wind and salt tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: A‘ia‘i
Botanical name: Streblus pendulinus
Family: Moraceae (Mulberry Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 950 to 5,500
Height: Up to 39 feet, with an up to 20 foot spread
Notes: A‘ia‘i wood is light brown, hard, and tough. When properly polished, it resembles Oak wood. While there are no documented ancient Hawaiian uses, in Eastern Australia a‘ia‘i wood was used to make boomerangs. Look for a‘ia‘i on the southern slopes of Haleakalā, at Auwahi.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Streblus pendulinus
Family: Moraceae (Mulberry Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 950 to 5,500
Height: Up to 39 feet, with an up to 20 foot spread
Notes: A‘ia‘i wood is light brown, hard, and tough. When properly polished, it resembles Oak wood. While there are no documented ancient Hawaiian uses, in Eastern Australia a‘ia‘i wood was used to make boomerangs. Look for a‘ia‘i on the southern slopes of Haleakalā, at Auwahi.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Āhinahina (silversword)
Botanical name: Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Status: Endemic, Threatened
Where found: Haleakalā, Maui
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 6,500 to 10,000 feet
Height: 2 to 6 feet (some may reach 8 feet)
Notes: The endangered ‘āhinahina is found only on Maui, at Haleakalā. An individual ‘āhinahina may bloom anywhere from 2 to 50 years after it has become established. However, the plant will bloom only once, for about two months, and then die. The dense covering of silver hair on its slender leaves helps to conserve moisture and protect this beautiful native from the sun's severe rays. Before the National Park Service was granted control of the dormant Haleakalā volcano, visitors to the volcano's summit often participated in the common practice of uprooting ‘āhinahina and drying the flowers for arrangements, or using the plant as kindling. Feeding by goats also severely damaged many plants and prevented reproduction. Today, ‘āhinahina is legally protected from damage by both ungulates and humans. — at Haleakala National Park.
Botanical name: Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Status: Endemic, Threatened
Where found: Haleakalā, Maui
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 6,500 to 10,000 feet
Height: 2 to 6 feet (some may reach 8 feet)
Notes: The endangered ‘āhinahina is found only on Maui, at Haleakalā. An individual ‘āhinahina may bloom anywhere from 2 to 50 years after it has become established. However, the plant will bloom only once, for about two months, and then die. The dense covering of silver hair on its slender leaves helps to conserve moisture and protect this beautiful native from the sun's severe rays. Before the National Park Service was granted control of the dormant Haleakalā volcano, visitors to the volcano's summit often participated in the common practice of uprooting ‘āhinahina and drying the flowers for arrangements, or using the plant as kindling. Feeding by goats also severely damaged many plants and prevented reproduction. Today, ‘āhinahina is legally protected from damage by both ungulates and humans. — at Haleakala National Park.
Hawaiian name: ‘Āhinahina, Hinahina kū pali (hinahina of erect cliffs)
Botanical name: Artemisia australis
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 0 to 3,200 feet
Height: About 3 feet, with an up to 5 foot spread
Notes: ‘Āhinahina has a faintly sage-like fragrance. Its leaves have an especially strong scent when rubbed or crushed. Early Hawaiians used ‘āhinahina to preserve feather cloaks from destructive insects when storing them in calabashes (‘umeke). Medicinally, the leaves were used in a remedy for asthma and other lung problems. Also, the leaves, stalks and roots of ‘āhinahina were mixed with other plants and added to steam baths as a remedy for high fevers. ‘Āhinahina is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Artemisia australis
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 0 to 3,200 feet
Height: About 3 feet, with an up to 5 foot spread
Notes: ‘Āhinahina has a faintly sage-like fragrance. Its leaves have an especially strong scent when rubbed or crushed. Early Hawaiians used ‘āhinahina to preserve feather cloaks from destructive insects when storing them in calabashes (‘umeke). Medicinally, the leaves were used in a remedy for asthma and other lung problems. Also, the leaves, stalks and roots of ‘āhinahina were mixed with other plants and added to steam baths as a remedy for high fevers. ‘Āhinahina is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian Name: ‘Ahu‘awa
Scientific Name: Cyperus javanicus
Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to wet, with full to part sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 600 feet
Height: 1 to 4 feet
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the fibers of ‘ahu‘awa were made into cordage which was used for lashing tools, canoes and homes. This cordage was also fashioned into fishing nets. The leaves of ‘ahu‘awa were used to strain ‘awa drinks and other liquids which likely influenced the Hawaiian name of this native. Medicinally, ‘ahu‘awa was mixed with other plants to create tonics for deep cuts, bruises, boils, and cold sores. Also, a runny nose was treated by inhaling powdered ‘ahu‘awa.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Scientific Name: Cyperus javanicus
Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to wet, with full to part sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 600 feet
Height: 1 to 4 feet
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the fibers of ‘ahu‘awa were made into cordage which was used for lashing tools, canoes and homes. This cordage was also fashioned into fishing nets. The leaves of ‘ahu‘awa were used to strain ‘awa drinks and other liquids which likely influenced the Hawaiian name of this native. Medicinally, ‘ahu‘awa was mixed with other plants to create tonics for deep cuts, bruises, boils, and cold sores. Also, a runny nose was treated by inhaling powdered ‘ahu‘awa.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Ākala
Botanical name: Rubus hawaiensis
Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Moist, full to partial sun
Elevation range: 2,000 to 10,000 feet
Height: 5 to 15 feet
Notes: ‘Ākala is the Hawaiian word for pink, referring to the color of the juice of this native raspberry. Early Hawaiians used it to produce a striking pink to rose-colored dye for their kapa. ‘Ākala is among the largest of fruiting species in the world, sometimes producing berries up to two inches long. The fruits range in colors from salmon, pink, red, dark purple, yellow to white. A tasty jelly can be made from the berries, though the ‘ākala berry is not as sweet as common raspberries.
Do you know the 3 "kala" of Hawai‘i? 1. the kala of the kai (ocean) = limu-kala (Sargassum seaweed) 2. the kala of the waena (middle lands) = pua-kala (the Hawaiian poppy) 3. the kala of the uka (uplands) = 'akala (shown here). Mahalo, Art!
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Rubus hawaiensis
Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Moist, full to partial sun
Elevation range: 2,000 to 10,000 feet
Height: 5 to 15 feet
Notes: ‘Ākala is the Hawaiian word for pink, referring to the color of the juice of this native raspberry. Early Hawaiians used it to produce a striking pink to rose-colored dye for their kapa. ‘Ākala is among the largest of fruiting species in the world, sometimes producing berries up to two inches long. The fruits range in colors from salmon, pink, red, dark purple, yellow to white. A tasty jelly can be made from the berries, though the ‘ākala berry is not as sweet as common raspberries.
Do you know the 3 "kala" of Hawai‘i? 1. the kala of the kai (ocean) = limu-kala (Sargassum seaweed) 2. the kala of the waena (middle lands) = pua-kala (the Hawaiian poppy) 3. the kala of the uka (uplands) = 'akala (shown here). Mahalo, Art!
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: ‘Ākia
Botanical name: Wikstroemia uva-ursi
Family: Thymelaeceae (Daphne Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i & O‘ahu
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 1,500 feet
Height: 2 to 6 feet, with an up to 5 foot spread
Notes: The decorative foliage and the red, orange or yellow fruit make ‘ākia a wonderful contribution to any Hawaiian landscape. Sometimes called "false ohelo," the fruits resemble delicious orange or red ‘ōhelo berries. This species of ‘ākia can be used to perform a fishing method, called hola, to stupefy fish. Various parts of the plant were mixed with chum and spread through tide pools. When fish ate the mixture, they became temporarily intoxicated which made them easier to scoop with a net. These toxins do not have the same effect on mammals. While no poisonings have been reported, some still believe that the fruits and bark of ‘ākia are toxic and should be planted out of the reach of children. ‘Ākia is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Wikstroemia uva-ursi
Family: Thymelaeceae (Daphne Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i & O‘ahu
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 1,500 feet
Height: 2 to 6 feet, with an up to 5 foot spread
Notes: The decorative foliage and the red, orange or yellow fruit make ‘ākia a wonderful contribution to any Hawaiian landscape. Sometimes called "false ohelo," the fruits resemble delicious orange or red ‘ōhelo berries. This species of ‘ākia can be used to perform a fishing method, called hola, to stupefy fish. Various parts of the plant were mixed with chum and spread through tide pools. When fish ate the mixture, they became temporarily intoxicated which made them easier to scoop with a net. These toxins do not have the same effect on mammals. While no poisonings have been reported, some still believe that the fruits and bark of ‘ākia are toxic and should be planted out of the reach of children. ‘Ākia is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: ‘Ākia Kuahiwi
Botanical name: Wikstroemia oahuensis var. oahuensis
Family: Thymelaeaceae (Daphne family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua’i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to part sun exposure
Elevation range: 300 to 4,600 feet
Height: up to 12 feet
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the bark of ‘ākia kuahiwi was stripped to make very strong cordage. It was also used medicinally as a laxative and to treat asthma. Many species of ‘ākia and ‘ākia kuahiwi can be used to perform a fishing method, called hola, to stupefy fish. Various parts of the plant were mixed with chum and spread through tide pools. When fish ate the mixture, they became temporarily intoxicated which made them easier to scoop with a net. These toxins do not have the same effect on mammals. Few pests bother this plant and, once established in the ground, it requires very little watering. ‘Ākia is drought and wind tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Wikstroemia oahuensis var. oahuensis
Family: Thymelaeaceae (Daphne family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua’i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to part sun exposure
Elevation range: 300 to 4,600 feet
Height: up to 12 feet
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the bark of ‘ākia kuahiwi was stripped to make very strong cordage. It was also used medicinally as a laxative and to treat asthma. Many species of ‘ākia and ‘ākia kuahiwi can be used to perform a fishing method, called hola, to stupefy fish. Various parts of the plant were mixed with chum and spread through tide pools. When fish ate the mixture, they became temporarily intoxicated which made them easier to scoop with a net. These toxins do not have the same effect on mammals. Few pests bother this plant and, once established in the ground, it requires very little watering. ‘Ākia is drought and wind tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Akoko
Botanical name: Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Status: Endemic, At risk
Where found: Maui and Lāna‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 900 to 5,400 feet
Height: 10 to 25 feet
Notes: Most of the 17 species of native ‘akoko are small shrubs; but few have evolved into trees. The name ‘akoko comes from the Hawaiian word koko meaning blood, referring to the red seed capsules appearing like drops of blood on its leaves. Hawai‘i's only native bee use this species as an important food and nesting source. In old Hawai‘i, ‘akoko wood was used to fuel fires; the leaves used in treatments of asthma; and the latex used as an ingredient in canoe paint. This species of ‘akoko is drought tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Status: Endemic, At risk
Where found: Maui and Lāna‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 900 to 5,400 feet
Height: 10 to 25 feet
Notes: Most of the 17 species of native ‘akoko are small shrubs; but few have evolved into trees. The name ‘akoko comes from the Hawaiian word koko meaning blood, referring to the red seed capsules appearing like drops of blood on its leaves. Hawai‘i's only native bee use this species as an important food and nesting source. In old Hawai‘i, ‘akoko wood was used to fuel fires; the leaves used in treatments of asthma; and the latex used as an ingredient in canoe paint. This species of ‘akoko is drought tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: ‘Akoko
Botanical name: Euphorbia degeneri
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun
Elevation range: 0 to 150 feet (coastal)
Height: up to 1 foot, with an up to 2 foot spread
Notes: There are seventeen native species of ‘akoko; all of which are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The name ‘akoko comes from the Hawaiian word "koko,” which means blood; referring to the red seed capsules appearing like drops of blood on this plant. The deep red color develops only in very bright, and dry conditions. In old Hawai‘i, ‘akoko was mixed with other plants for treatments of kohepopo and wai‘opua hinanawe (women’s weakness and debilitation). This species of ‘akoko is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Euphorbia degeneri
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun
Elevation range: 0 to 150 feet (coastal)
Height: up to 1 foot, with an up to 2 foot spread
Notes: There are seventeen native species of ‘akoko; all of which are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The name ‘akoko comes from the Hawaiian word "koko,” which means blood; referring to the red seed capsules appearing like drops of blood on this plant. The deep red color develops only in very bright, and dry conditions. In old Hawai‘i, ‘akoko was mixed with other plants for treatments of kohepopo and wai‘opua hinanawe (women’s weakness and debilitation). This species of ‘akoko is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: 'Ākōlea
Botanical name: Athyrium microphyllum
Family: Athyriaceae
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Wet, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 1,500 to 6,500 feet
Height: 2 to 5 feet, with an 8 foot spread
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, young shoots and stems of ‘ākōlea were mixed with shrimp, kalo and kukui as a treatment for naoa‘ono‘ole (loss of appetite). 'Ākōlea was also used in aiding childbirth and, in times of famine, stalks of this fern were cooked and eaten. On Kaua‘i, ‘ākōlea was one of the plants placed on the kuahu hula (hula altar), which indicates this fern’s high cultural status. Today, ‘ākōlea continues to be used to make beautiful lei.
*Photo Courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Athyrium microphyllum
Family: Athyriaceae
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Wet, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 1,500 to 6,500 feet
Height: 2 to 5 feet, with an 8 foot spread
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, young shoots and stems of ‘ākōlea were mixed with shrimp, kalo and kukui as a treatment for naoa‘ono‘ole (loss of appetite). 'Ākōlea was also used in aiding childbirth and, in times of famine, stalks of this fern were cooked and eaten. On Kaua‘i, ‘ākōlea was one of the plants placed on the kuahu hula (hula altar), which indicates this fern’s high cultural status. Today, ‘ākōlea continues to be used to make beautiful lei.
*Photo Courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Ākulikuli
Botanical name: Sesuvium portulacastrum
Family: Aizoaceae (Fig-Marigold Family)
Status: Indigenous
Water/Light: Dry to wet, with full sun exposure
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Elevation range: Coastal
Height: Less than 1 foot, with an up to 4 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ākulikuli is common on Hawaiian beaches and is one of the most salt tolerant native plants known. It is an excellent choice for weed suppression and erosion control in landscapes. ‘Ākulikuli was the plant of choice for cleaning the stagnant, murky waters of the Ala Wai Canal in Waikīkī, O‘ahu. Platforms of ‘akulikuli were placed in the canal and the roots helped to filter and clear the water of toxins and other unwanted materials.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Sesuvium portulacastrum
Family: Aizoaceae (Fig-Marigold Family)
Status: Indigenous
Water/Light: Dry to wet, with full sun exposure
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Elevation range: Coastal
Height: Less than 1 foot, with an up to 4 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ākulikuli is common on Hawaiian beaches and is one of the most salt tolerant native plants known. It is an excellent choice for weed suppression and erosion control in landscapes. ‘Ākulikuli was the plant of choice for cleaning the stagnant, murky waters of the Ala Wai Canal in Waikīkī, O‘ahu. Platforms of ‘akulikuli were placed in the canal and the roots helped to filter and clear the water of toxins and other unwanted materials.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: Āla‘a
Botanical name: Pouteria sandwicensis
Family: Sapotaceae (Sapodilla Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 800 to 3,600 feet
Height: About 60 feet, with an up to 40 foot spread
Notes: Āla‘a is a beautiful shade tree with edible fruits that taste somewhat like baked yams. In old Hawai‘i, āla‘a wood was used in home construction and to make weapons and agricultural tools. The milky sap was used as a strong glue (kolū), and the seeds continue to be used to make beautiful permanent lei. Alternate names for this species are āulu and ‘ēla‘a. Āla‘a is drought tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Pouteria sandwicensis
Family: Sapotaceae (Sapodilla Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 800 to 3,600 feet
Height: About 60 feet, with an up to 40 foot spread
Notes: Āla‘a is a beautiful shade tree with edible fruits that taste somewhat like baked yams. In old Hawai‘i, āla‘a wood was used in home construction and to make weapons and agricultural tools. The milky sap was used as a strong glue (kolū), and the seeds continue to be used to make beautiful permanent lei. Alternate names for this species are āulu and ‘ēla‘a. Āla‘a is drought tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui
Botanical name: Peperomia blanda
Family: Piperaceae (Pepper Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Moist, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 0 to 5,500 feet
Height: About 1 foot, with an up to 2 foot spread
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the juices of ‘ala ‘ala wai nui were used to treat ailments including inner ear disorders, severe asthma, and various stages of appendicitis. Also, a rich grayish-green kapa dye (called ‘ahiahia) can be made from its ashes. ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui grows beautifully in containers or hanging baskets, and makes a great accent plant or ground cover in any landscape. ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui is drought and wind tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Peperomia blanda
Family: Piperaceae (Pepper Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Moist, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 0 to 5,500 feet
Height: About 1 foot, with an up to 2 foot spread
Notes: In old Hawai‘i, the juices of ‘ala ‘ala wai nui were used to treat ailments including inner ear disorders, severe asthma, and various stages of appendicitis. Also, a rich grayish-green kapa dye (called ‘ahiahia) can be made from its ashes. ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui grows beautifully in containers or hanging baskets, and makes a great accent plant or ground cover in any landscape. ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui is drought and wind tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui
Botanical name: Peperomia Mauiensis
Family: Piperaceae (Pepper Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i & Lāna‘i
Water/Light: Moist, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 30 to 5,000 feet
Height: Up to 1 foot, with a 1 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui is related to ‘awa and common black pepper. There are 25 species of Peperomia native to Hawai‘i. A grayish-green kapa dye can be made from the leaves and stems of ‘ala ‘ala wai nui. This particular species looks great in a rock garden, as a potted plant, or as a ground cover in shady areas.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Peperomia Mauiensis
Family: Piperaceae (Pepper Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i & Lāna‘i
Water/Light: Moist, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 30 to 5,000 feet
Height: Up to 1 foot, with a 1 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui is related to ‘awa and common black pepper. There are 25 species of Peperomia native to Hawai‘i. A grayish-green kapa dye can be made from the leaves and stems of ‘ala ‘ala wai nui. This particular species looks great in a rock garden, as a potted plant, or as a ground cover in shady areas.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Ala ‘ala wai nui wahine
Botanical name: Plectranthus parviflorus
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 0 to 4,300 feet
Height: Up to 2 feet, with an up to 4 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ala‘ala wai nui wahine are among the easiest of native Hawaiian plants to grow in a landscape. While belonging to the mint family, the fleshy leaves have no scent when crushed. This native can be used as an accent plant or ground cover, and also looks great in containers or hanging baskets with its tiny yet attractive blue to lavender flowers occurring throughout the year. ‘Ala‘ala wai nui wahine is drought, wind and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Plectranthus parviflorus
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 0 to 4,300 feet
Height: Up to 2 feet, with an up to 4 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ala‘ala wai nui wahine are among the easiest of native Hawaiian plants to grow in a landscape. While belonging to the mint family, the fleshy leaves have no scent when crushed. This native can be used as an accent plant or ground cover, and also looks great in containers or hanging baskets with its tiny yet attractive blue to lavender flowers occurring throughout the year. ‘Ala‘ala wai nui wahine is drought, wind and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian Name: Alahe‘e
Botanical name: Psydrax odorata
Family: Rubiacae (Coffee Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 30 to 3,800 feet
Height: 10 to 20 feet, with a 10 foot spread
Notes: Alahe‘e is locally renowned for its wonderfully fragrant flowers and, within a landscape, can be used to replace the non-native mock orange. In old Hawai‘i, a black kapa dye was produced using the leaves of alahe‘e. These leaves were also an ingredient in a medicinal remedy to cleanse the blood. From the hard wood, early Hawaiian fashioned farming tools such as ‘ō‘ō (digging sticks), fishhooks, shark hooks (makau manō) and dip nets for catching fish and crab. Alahe‘e is drought and wind tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Psydrax odorata
Family: Rubiacae (Coffee Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 30 to 3,800 feet
Height: 10 to 20 feet, with a 10 foot spread
Notes: Alahe‘e is locally renowned for its wonderfully fragrant flowers and, within a landscape, can be used to replace the non-native mock orange. In old Hawai‘i, a black kapa dye was produced using the leaves of alahe‘e. These leaves were also an ingredient in a medicinal remedy to cleanse the blood. From the hard wood, early Hawaiian fashioned farming tools such as ‘ō‘ō (digging sticks), fishhooks, shark hooks (makau manō) and dip nets for catching fish and crab. Alahe‘e is drought and wind tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: Alani (Auwahi melicope)
Botanical name: Melicope adscendens
Family: Rutaceae (Rue family)
Status: Endemic, Endangered
Where found: Maui
Elevation Range: 3,000-3,900 feet
Notes: This highly endangered species of alani is found only in Maui, on the southwestern slope of Haleakalā. Alani means orange in Hawaiian, referring to its pleasant citrus-like scent. In old Hawai‘i, the nuts were chewed for therapeutic purposes. Also, alani leaves were places between folds of newly pounded kapa cloth, as the scent was a favorite perfume of early Hawaiians. Threats to this species include habitat damage, trampling by cattle, and competition from alien plant species.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Melicope adscendens
Family: Rutaceae (Rue family)
Status: Endemic, Endangered
Where found: Maui
Elevation Range: 3,000-3,900 feet
Notes: This highly endangered species of alani is found only in Maui, on the southwestern slope of Haleakalā. Alani means orange in Hawaiian, referring to its pleasant citrus-like scent. In old Hawai‘i, the nuts were chewed for therapeutic purposes. Also, alani leaves were places between folds of newly pounded kapa cloth, as the scent was a favorite perfume of early Hawaiians. Threats to this species include habitat damage, trampling by cattle, and competition from alien plant species.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: Alena
Botanical name: Boerhavia acutifolia
Family: Nyctaginaceae (4 o’clock Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Dry, with full sunlight
Elevation range: Coastal
Height: less than 1 foot, with a 6 foot spread
Notes: This species of alena is also known as the Sharp-Leaf Spiderling, and features tiny pink to white flowers. It can be found most often on leeward shores, sea cliffs, and low coastal slopes. In old Hawaii, alena was mixed with other plant materials and used to ease menstrual pain and bladder infections. Alena is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Boerhavia acutifolia
Family: Nyctaginaceae (4 o’clock Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Dry, with full sunlight
Elevation range: Coastal
Height: less than 1 foot, with a 6 foot spread
Notes: This species of alena is also known as the Sharp-Leaf Spiderling, and features tiny pink to white flowers. It can be found most often on leeward shores, sea cliffs, and low coastal slopes. In old Hawaii, alena was mixed with other plant materials and used to ease menstrual pain and bladder infections. Alena is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: Alena
Botanical name: Boerhavia herbstii
Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four o'clock family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Hawai‘i & O‘ahu
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 150 feet (coastal)
Height: up to 1 foot, with a 5 foot spread
Notes: Alena has light green leaves with a pale underside, and produces white to pink flower clusters. Early Hawaiians created a remedy to ease menstrual pain and bladder infection by mixing alena roots with other plant materials. Alena is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Boerhavia herbstii
Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four o'clock family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Hawai‘i & O‘ahu
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 150 feet (coastal)
Height: up to 1 foot, with a 5 foot spread
Notes: Alena has light green leaves with a pale underside, and produces white to pink flower clusters. Early Hawaiians created a remedy to ease menstrual pain and bladder infection by mixing alena roots with other plant materials. Alena is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Hawaiian name: Ālula (‘Ōlolu)
Botanical name: Brighamia insignis
Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
Status: Endemic, Endangered
Where found: Kaua`i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sun exposure Elevation range: 0 to 1,500 feet
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Notes: Ālula is also known as the “cabbage on a stick.” Its flowers have a wonderfully sweet fragrance described as citrus-like. This highly endangered native experienced at serious setback in 1992 when Hurricane ‘Iniki destroyed most of its natural population along the Nā Pali Coast on Kaua‘i. While ālula continues to be grown in cultivation, very few plants are known to remain in the wild. Ālula is drought, wind and salt tolerant, but it is best kept in pots as ālula is known to be a favorite snack of snails.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Brighamia insignis
Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
Status: Endemic, Endangered
Where found: Kaua`i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sun exposure Elevation range: 0 to 1,500 feet
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Notes: Ālula is also known as the “cabbage on a stick.” Its flowers have a wonderfully sweet fragrance described as citrus-like. This highly endangered native experienced at serious setback in 1992 when Hurricane ‘Iniki destroyed most of its natural population along the Nā Pali Coast on Kaua‘i. While ālula continues to be grown in cultivation, very few plants are known to remain in the wild. Ālula is drought, wind and salt tolerant, but it is best kept in pots as ālula is known to be a favorite snack of snails.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Āma‘u (Ama‘uma‘u)
Botanical name: Sadleria cyatheoides
Family: Blechnaceae (Chain Fern Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Wet, with full to part shade
Elevation range: 0 to 7,000 feet
Height: Up to 5 feet tall
Notes: Young ‘āma‘u fronds turn from a striking bright red to orange, and then green upon maturity. In old Hawai‘i, these fronds were used for thatching the roofs of homes, and to extend the usefulness of used kapa cloth. A red kapa dye can be extracted from the young fronds and from the trunks of larger plants. The pulu (fuzzy hairs around emerging fronds) of ‘āma‘u resembles hāpu‘u (Cibotium spp.) and was also used for stuffing pillows and mattresses. Medicinally, ‘āma‘u was combined with other ingredients to make a juice which was applied to boils and pimples. The shoots were used to remedy lung troubles, and the dried leaves were used as a treatment for syphilis. In old Polynesian culture, it was believed that when the ‘āma‘u fern grew straight up, a flood was coming.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Sadleria cyatheoides
Family: Blechnaceae (Chain Fern Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: All Hawaiian Islands
Water/Light: Wet, with full to part shade
Elevation range: 0 to 7,000 feet
Height: Up to 5 feet tall
Notes: Young ‘āma‘u fronds turn from a striking bright red to orange, and then green upon maturity. In old Hawai‘i, these fronds were used for thatching the roofs of homes, and to extend the usefulness of used kapa cloth. A red kapa dye can be extracted from the young fronds and from the trunks of larger plants. The pulu (fuzzy hairs around emerging fronds) of ‘āma‘u resembles hāpu‘u (Cibotium spp.) and was also used for stuffing pillows and mattresses. Medicinally, ‘āma‘u was combined with other ingredients to make a juice which was applied to boils and pimples. The shoots were used to remedy lung troubles, and the dried leaves were used as a treatment for syphilis. In old Polynesian culture, it was believed that when the ‘āma‘u fern grew straight up, a flood was coming.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Ānapanapa
Botanical name: Colubriana asiatica
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 330 feet
Height: About 10 feet, with an up to 8 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ānapanapa have bright, shiny green leaves that stay vibrant even in the harshest of conditions. In Hawaiian, ‘ānapanapa means “to sparkle”. When crushed and mixed with water; the roots, bark and leaves produce a sudsy soap that was used throughout Polynesia. ‘Ānapanapa is considered passively aggressive. As a free form shrub, it can help control erosion on hillsides or stream banks but, if planted too close, the sprawling habit of these shrubs can overwhelm other native plants, climbing up and over them. ‘Ānapanapa is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Botanical name: Colubriana asiatica
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Status: Indigenous
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 330 feet
Height: About 10 feet, with an up to 8 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ānapanapa have bright, shiny green leaves that stay vibrant even in the harshest of conditions. In Hawaiian, ‘ānapanapa means “to sparkle”. When crushed and mixed with water; the roots, bark and leaves produce a sudsy soap that was used throughout Polynesia. ‘Ānapanapa is considered passively aggressive. As a free form shrub, it can help control erosion on hillsides or stream banks but, if planted too close, the sprawling habit of these shrubs can overwhelm other native plants, climbing up and over them. ‘Ānapanapa is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen
Hawaiian name: ‘Ānaunau
Botanical name: Lepidium bidentatum var. o-waihiense
Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 150 to 400 feet
Height: 1 to 2 feet, with an up to 2 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ānaunau is easy to grow and self propagates. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a peppery smell and flavor to them. Try adding ‘ānaunau to your green salad! This native is also used medicinally throughout Polynesia for various ailments. ‘Ānaunau is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Botanical name: Lepidium bidentatum var. o-waihiense
Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: 150 to 400 feet
Height: 1 to 2 feet, with an up to 2 foot spread
Notes: ‘Ānaunau is easy to grow and self propagates. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a peppery smell and flavor to them. Try adding ‘ānaunau to your green salad! This native is also used medicinally throughout Polynesia for various ailments. ‘Ānaunau is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant.
*Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr