Native & Canoe Plants of Hawaii
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Mamaki, pipturus albidus
- Leaves can be made into tea which is said to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol; tea can also relieve sore throats and coughing - Leaves contain three major antioxidants: catechins, chlorogenic acid, and rutin fruit should be harvested when they turn white and are soft - This fruit can act as a laxative and aid the colon and digestion - Grows at altitudes between 1,500 and 4,000 feet - Best propogated by seed - Require wet conditions at the root and have moist water requirements - Can survive in full or partial sunlight, however, partial sun is best - One of the best plants to attract native Hawaiian butterflies |
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Kalo, taro, Colocasia esculenta
- Poi is used to settle the stomach, eaten in poi bowl at the center of dinners at ceremonial dinners that bring people together in the spirit of ohana (family) and of appreciation with the `aumakua (ancestors), leaves can be eaten as greens -suitable for wetland and dryland culture, propagated by offshoots from the mother corn, separated from the main plant when they are at least 15 cm in height or by chopping the dark top section of the taro tuber into small pieces, leave for a day to allow surfaces to dry and replant -needs well-drained rich soil with plenty of organic matter, fertilize 2-3 times a week |
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Awa, piper methysticum, kava
-member of the pepper family, very hardy and grows up to 12 feet high -2 to 3 years minimum to achieve usable potency -soothing drink with proven medicinal effects, Kava is now available to anyone seeking to calm nerves or ease stress as well as anxiety while combating fatigue the natural way - Likes rich, deep and moist soil in part shade, good drainage—some growers use a mix of gravel and bark, like orchid mix, that discourages root rot over colder months, require a good fertiliser and regular watering in the growing season - always propagated vegetatively from dry and freshly cut stems or from stem sections, as viable seeds do not form, stem sections consisting of one or more nodes may be planted directly into moist soils, or allowed to root first in a moistened medium or misted area within a shaded nursery before planting, sufficient roots form on the moist, severed stems within several weeks after planting or misting. |
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ʻOlena (Tumeric)
-rich soil, some shade and plenty of water, the plant can be dormant for several months but the roots do survive and will revive to come up with green leaves once again -root can be used medicinally to make a juice that, when mixed with water, is helpful in earaches and to clear the sinuses through nasal application, the astringent qualities of `olena are also useful in cases of consumption, tuberculosis, bronchitis, colds and asthma, the root being lightly cooked and then eaten, enhances the immune system by purifying the blood, has several other medicinal properties as well. -Traditionally the root was used as a dye reserved for malo (loincloth) worn by the chiefs. |
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Bird's Nest Fern
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Breadfruit. Ulu
There is so much to love about breadfruit trees! A staple starch that can be prepared in so many versatile ways. Check out the link bellow for 66 pages of greatness put out by CTAHR, University of Hawaii, at Manoa. |
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Medicinal Plants
Kawa- Root. Click on the photo to learn more about this years Kawa Festival!
Turmeric/Olena
