Hibiscus arnottianus Native Endemic Two Koki‘o keʻokeʻo species live on-site, Hibiscus arnottianus and Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. immaculatus. Both have large white and subtle fragrant blossoms; it grows in mesic forests at low elevations (below 3,000 feet elevation). These species grow only on the islands of Oʻahu and Molokaʻi. The kokiʻo keʻokeʻo is a shrub or a […]
Thespesia populnea Polynesian Introduction Used for its wood and fiber. Planted around homes in old Hawaiʻi. It has wide, low branches and a thick trunk with rough bark and scaly twigs. The Hawaiians found the beautifully-grained, dark redwood to be second only to kou for making calabashes, plates, and other wood utensils. The glossy leaves […]
Cordia subcordata Native Indigenous Often found in old Hawaiian coastal village sites, kou has beautifully grained wood and smooth, round leaves, which are used to make a brown dye. Most of the traditional ʻumeke bowls are made of the wood of the kou tree. It is a favorite for food containers because it does not […]
Cocos nucifera Polynesian Introduction Coconuts are perhaps the most useful plant on earth. The roots and husk from the nuts can be made into strong cordage. The trunk was used primarily for large pahu, or drums. The wood could be hollowed out to make small canoes or for house posts. The crown can be eaten as heart […]
Diospyros sandwicensis Native Endemic A small, hardy tree native to Kauaʻi and Oʻahu. In the Hawaiian language, lama means “light” or “lamp,” suggesting enlightenment. Wood was used for building temples and enclosures (pālama) and for offerings to the hula goddess, Laka. Lama, in the ebony family, has a beautiful wood that was held sacred to the […]
Morinda citrifolia Polynesian Introduction Small evergreen tree. Whitish-yellow fruit is used medicinally as a poultice. The leaves were used to cure most types of muscle and joint pain by placing the leaves directly on the infected area and using heated stones and massage. Bark was a source of yellow dye—mixed with burnt color gives red—mixed […]
Pritchardia Native Endemic Loulu can mean “umbrella” in Hawaiian, as leaves were used for roof thatch or for protection from rain. The wood is for house posts, altars, drums and canoes and the leaves woven into hats and baskets. Prichardia is the only genus of palms native to Hawaiʻi. There are 22 different Hawaiian species […]
Syzygium malaccense Polynesian Introduction The fruit has pure white crisp flesh. In spring, pom pom-like flowers on short stems appear on the trunk and branches. Bark used to make brown dye; fruit skin makes red dye. The fruit is delicious and a favorite of Hawaiians. The tree produces a dense wood, used for carving large wooden […]
Psilotum nudum Native Indigenous Although Moa is hard to “tame,” it is widely distributed because of its propagation through spores. Powder from spores was/is used as a laxative, talcum powder, and to treat thrush (dry throat). Fern tips made a beautiful addition to lei poʻo (lei for head). Moa is the Hawaiian word for “chicken” […]
Curcuma longa Polynesian Introduction This seasonal plant disappears from our garden (except for its tubers) during winter months. Turmeric is in the ginger family. In ancient Hawaiʻi, this plant was used in medicine, religion, and as a yellow ochre-colored dye for kapa. The underground rhizomes have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and were used to treat infections and swelling.