Hobbies And Interests
Ieie
The ieie plant grows indigenously on nearly all the main Hawaiian Islands, favoring wet forests and exposed ridges. Flat grass-like leaves arc out from the base of this woody, climbing plant and in the center blooms a yellow flower with 3 sets of long triangle petals. Ieie works to help bring sleep in the presence of chest ailments, and is used for basket making and hula altar offerings.
Laukahi Kuahiwi
The laukahi kuahiwi (Plantango) or plantain grows as a perennial herb with the status of an endangered plant. Oval leaves whirling around thin stems mark the laukahi kuahiwi. It thrives in a variety of habitats from alpine grasslands to moist bogs. According to the Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database the leaves, once baked and eaten, work as a tonic and laxative.
Kalo
First introduced into Hawaii by Polynesian settlers, the kalo or taro plant (Colocasia esculenta) became the primary food of Hawaiian indigenous peoples. This succulent, perennial herb sprouts clusters of arrow-shaped leaves that unfurl on the ends of erect stems and grow in a variety of colors including black, green and variegated, writes Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai'i. Once cooked, the entire plant contains edible properties. The uncooked plant can be used to treat ingestion, stop bleeding and reduce swelling from insect bites, according to the Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database.
Olena
Widely cultivated for its medicinal and spice properties, Olena or turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the ginger family. In addition, this plant makes yellow dyes, the name 'olena' standing for 'yellow' in the Hawaiian language, writes Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai'i. Lacking a true stem, long, overlapping leaves grow up to 20 inches high from the root of the plant. Yellow and white flower bracts also appear on olena. An astringent herb, medicinal uses include treatments for colds and asthma, as well as a blood purifier and diuretic.
Pua Kala
Found in the subalpine and coastal dry forests of Hawaii, the pua kala or prickly poppy (Argemone glauca) matures anywhere from 2 to 5 feet in height. A perennial herb, tiny stiff spines cover the whole plant. Fragile white flowers with yellow centers bloom from spiked buds. Both the seeds and sap of the pua kala hold narcotic properties and uses include treatment for headaches, neuralgia and ulcers according to the Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database.