Pāpala kēpau

Pisonia

Native Indigenous

The fruit, which appear during Summer and Fall, are covered with an extremely sticky substance that was smeared onto branches near where birds fed. Birds became stuck and the Hawaiians could then harvest the colorful feathers and release the bird. This harvesting technique of catch-and-release ensured a sustainable feather source. Thousands of feathers were woven to a backing to create intricate and majestic feather cloaks for aliʻi. The sap can also be used to treat cuts and as adhesive for repairing bowls.