Plants of the Past
Meakanu o Kahiko

Polynesians were not the only voyagers to arrive on Hawaiian shores 1600 years ago. The early settlers brought with them elements from their homeland that were critical to survival. Some plants were carried as ano`ano (seeds), some as hehu (seedlings), others as lala kanu, huli and ka (cuttings). Not knowing what the new lands might hold, the colonists carried some 27 plants. Keeping them alive for 30 days on the open sea was not easy, especially with limited fresh water.

Almost all of the plants in this garden were brought to Hawai‘i by the Polynesians! Can you find the 2 indigenous plants that were not.

E lawe i ke o, he hinana ka i`a kuhi lima.
Take vegetable food; the hinana is a fish that can be caught in the hand.
Take plant staples on a journey and don't worry about meats, which can be found along the way.
(`Olelo No`eau #329; Pukui 1983)

Plants in Garden

koa

Acacia koa
Native to Hawai‘i
Wood used for canoe hulls, calabashes, and surfboards

hau

Hibiscus tiliaeus
Native to Hawai‘i
Wood for canoe outriggers; bark used for cordage and kapa; flowers for medicine

olona

Touchardia latifolia
Native to Hawai‘i
Fibers used for cordage

kukui (candlenut)

Aleurites moluccana
Polynesian introduction
Wood for canoes; nuts used for lighting, food and lei; and roots for black dye

`awa (kava)

Piper methysticum
Polynesian introduction
Roots used as a beverage & ceremonial drink

niu (coconut)

Cocos nucifera
Polynesian introduction?
Nuts used for food, drink, and oil; fibers for cordage; leaves for thatch and baskets; wood for spears and house construction

ki (ti)

Cordyline fruticosa
Polynesian introduction
Leaves for clothing, food wrappers, thatch, and religion; roots baked for food and medicine

kalo (taro)

Colocasia esculenta
Polynesian introduction
Roots and leaves a staple food

ko (sugarcane)

Saccharum officinarum
Polynesian introduction
Stem used for food and medicine

mai`a (banana)

Musa x paradisiaca
Polynesian introduction
Fruits used for food; leaves for food preparation

uhi (yam)

Dioscorea alata
Polynesian introduction
Tubers a food staple

ipu (gourd)

Lagenaria siceraria
Polynesian introduction
Gourds used for containers and musical instruments

`uala (sweet potato)

Ipomoea batatas
Polynesian introduction
Tubers and leaves used for food

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