On Hiatus...

Well I obviously haven't posted in some time.  Hunting for olelo no`eau online and community events is actually harder than researching the plants, but in any case I haven't much time these days to do either of them.  So for now we're officially on hiatus (unless another member feels like picking it up).  In addition, I'm not 100% sure where the club's going, and if it does evaporate, I'll be moving to another site at the end of the semester.  Same routine though.
I've also almost got enough gift cards saved to get an olelo no`eau book from Barnes and Nobles, so hopefully that'll allow me to pick up again soon.
In any case, happy readings people!

Issue 18: Lei Material of Ni`ihau, Momi, Laiki, Kahelelani

Organism of the Week! - Pupu o Ni`ihau:  Momi, Laiki, and Kahelelani
I can't find the latin names of these species :(

Dark colored shells are called momi kahakaha ikaika (powerful)
and the light ones are ahiehie

These shells are found on the beaches of Ni`ihau and used to make lei.  They are usually about a quarter of an inch in size and vary in color as you can see.  What species are they from?  A snail perhaps?  Or some ocean phenomena?  I don't know and google isn't very forthcoming.  Enjoy photos of the shells anyways, and let me know what you think!  Which is your favorite?

By Sabrina Robello

Laiki shells

Kahelelani shells, which come in a broad range of colors

Sourced: Mostly here, photos from google


















** This blog will be operating in this abridged format until I figure out law school.  That means more pictures and no olelo no`eau/community events section for now.  I intend to reincorporate the olelo no`eau section once I get around to buying Mary Kawena Pukui's collection of them, but its not quite a priority for me at the moment.

Issue 17: Flower of Kaho`olawe, Hinahina

Release 17 - abridged.  I have been a bit busy and have exhausted the internet's supply of non-romantic olelo no`eau.  And the UH doesn't have as much relevant events as I'd hope at this point in the year.

Organism of the week! Hinahina, heliotropium anomalum
The one week I take a break and I get more views than usual.  *Sigh*, sorry to disappoint.
Anyways, this week's belated plant is the hinahina, also known as nohonohopu`uone, pohinahina, and hinahina ku kahakai.  Perhaps some knowledgeable soul will translate these other names for us, as I'm lacking in that area.
This plant is a shrub that typically doesn't grow much higher than two feet, but grows as far across as two to five feet.
The plant is long-lived according to the internet - it lives longer than five years and requires a drier climate.  It flowers year round and is presently used for landscaping purposes.  And since it requires very little water, it's actually pretty ideal for those who live on Oahu as a landscaping plant - very low maintenance.
The leaves are covered in tiny, thin hairs that give the leaves a silvery appearance as you can see here.  This was selected as Kaho`olawe's lei material perhaps because the island is so bare and harsh...and because this plant seems durable enough to grow on it.
-Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here mostly

Community Events!
Kako`o `Oiwi - Sat, Sept. 8, 8:30am-12pm; 46-403 Kamehameha Highway Kāneʻohe HI 96744
Another lo`i workday!  I know you guys love it, check it out.

Issue 16: Flower of Lana`i, Kauna`oa

Ho`ola `i na manu i ke aheahe.
The birds poise quietly in the gentle breeze.
(Said of those at peace with the world)

Organism of the Week!  Kauna`oa Cuscuta Sandwichiana

This lei material is more of a vine as you can see here - an air vine described as the native dodder (if that means anything to botanically inclined readers).  The yellowish flowers of this plant grows in tiny clusters around the stem and is only a sixteenth of an inch in size.  Given the delicate appearance of this plant, I assumed correctly that it is difficult to find these days.
The kauna`oa grows best in coastal areas with sandy soil, at sea-level for the most part.  Materials I'm looking at says you won't find any above 975ft elevation.  Also, the plant grows on other plants - "parasitizing" according to the internets.
The part of the plant that is used in lei is the yellowy-orange tendrils that you can see above.  These are taken and twined together to make a lei, like the one here.  I believe the thread leis sold these days are supposed to be imitating the look of this lei now that I see it.
Apparently there were some medicinal uses for the plant as well - mixed together with some other plants and ingested will induce vomiting (used specifically for emptying the tummy of icky phlegm during cold season) or can be used in a concoction to assist women with childbirth.  Fun facts, I know :)

By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here


Community Events!
Green Drinks - Every Tuesday, 5:30-8pm, Fresh Cafe
This ongoing event is for those who want to network with like-minded people as well as enjoy some farm-fresh foods.  And drinks I suppose.  More about it here.
Ecolounge - Every Third Thursday, 6-9pm, Indigo (1121 Nuuanu Ave)
This is described as a spot to network again with like-minded folk.  Caters more to business types, but active environmentalists might be interested as well.

Issue 15: Flower of Kauai, Mokihana Berry

I ka nana no a`ike.
By observing, one will learn.

Organism of the Week!  Mokihana Berry, Rutaceae Melicope Anisata

This particular organism is obviously not a flower.  Apparently it was decided each island should have its own specific lei material of which to be proud of.  It just so happens many leis are made of flowers and I suppose the title was shortened to flower instead of lei material.
This plant is a native citrus tree goes by some other names locals may be more familiar with - mokehana, alani, or alani kuahiwi.  The berry smells of anise (for the chefs among my few readers) and must be strung within a few hours of picking, and the scent of this berry and the plants twigs used to be a favored scent among ancient Hawaiians.

Mokihana berries in action.

The plant this berry grows on is a shrub that grows to be between 2-8 meters tall with thick leaves.  The branches can be somewhat droopy giving it a vine-like appearance.  And the plant grows well in wet forests at a range of elevations - from 1200-4000 ft, and is native only to Kauai, although may be found on other islands these days.  The twigs and leaves when dried can retain their anise-like scent for quite awhile and used to be placed in the folds of kapa to lend their scent to the material.  Finally, the plant was indeed primarily used for its lei-making properties.
By Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here

Community Events!
Acoustic Monitoring of Near-Shore Ecosystems  -  Thurs, Aug 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Theater
A UH Zoology grad student will be speaking at Hanauma Bay, which I presume is free (except parking I mean).  For more information contact this fellow (carrier@hawaii.edu) and enjoy.
Message in the Waves - Thurs. Aug 16, 6pm-8pm, Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks Eco Lounge
This is a film screening is a free event that focuses on upcycling and the hazards of wastefulness.
Heʻeia Stream Restoration Work Day - Sat, Aug 18, 8am-11am, 46-403 Haʻikū Rd, Kāneʻohe
Volunteer opportunity!  Work out the stress of returning to class with some productive manual labor.  Good for you and the environment!

Issue 14: Flower of Molokai, Kukui Blossom

`A`ohe pau ka `ike i ka halau ho`okahi.
All knowledge is not learned from one school.


Organism of the Week!   kukui blossom, Aleurites Moluccana

This flower is the blossom on the kukui tree or candlenut tree.  The flower is tiny as you can see here, with tiny white petals.  The fruit of this blossom yields the ever useful kukui nut, the uses of which I will go into in a later post.
However, the flower and fruit of this plant are used to make lovely leis in this case, and fortunately grow easily in the wild here in Hawaii as the plant requires lots of tropical weather.  Incidentally, the kukui is not native to Hawaii but was later brought here by early settlers, which I suppose I must have learned at some point in my education, but was forgotten.  Considering how much the kukui tree is a symbol of Hawaii, it's interesting to learn that it was brought from an even more ancient culture here with settlers.
The flower and fruit are not the only well known things about this plant.  The tree itself is a symbol of our state, the state tree.

-Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here and here 

Community Events:
Climate Change and Philanthropy: Wed, Aug 8, 12pm-1pm, Hamilton Library Classroom 3F
This free event will feature the European Climate Foundation and will discuss climate change and the ways the ECF are striving to stop it.
Ke Kani o Ke Kai:  Thurs, Aug 9, 7pm - 9pm, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Wish I'd posted this up earlier!  Tickets are no longer available for Jake Shimabukuro's concert, so for those determined to attend, admittance without pre-ordered tickets will be on a first come first serve basis.  Doors open at 5:30 for the determined!

Issue 13: Flower of Maui, Pink Lokelani

E kolo ana no ke ewe i ke ewe.
The root creeps toward other roots.
Kin seek out and love each other.

Organism of the week! Pink Lokelani - Rosa damascena
This deciduous shrub can grow up to 7ish ft tall and has bristles and prickles to protect itself.  It is not native to Hawaii, nor can it be found in the wild anymore, but is most likely from the Middle East.  This flower is very fragrant and clearly lovely to look upon, and I believe is used in lei.
It's believed that this flower was brought to Hawaii in the 1800s, possibly by English crews and whatnot, vaunted for its beauty and fragrance.  Since it doesn't seem to thrive in the wild these days, it's impact on our native ecosystem is hopefully minimal.


The internet seems to have a limited supply of information on this flower though - if you happen to have anything to add, please do share in the comments below!


-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here and here


PS: I'm currently in the process of moving into my apartment, so the next few blogs may be similarly brief, but fear not I'll do my best to devote time to posting some interesting bits here anyways!

Issue 12: Flower of the Big Island, Red `Ohi`a Lehua

Pupukahi i holomua.
Unite to move forward.

Organism of the Week!  Red Lehua flower, Metrosideros Polymorpha
This is a flower I've been trying to skirt around because it is one of my more favorite ones, and I didn't want to end up lehua-ing out my limited audience.  It is our banner after all.
This flower grows on the `ohi`a lehua tree which can grow quite tall - up to 60 ft according to the internet, but in person they always seem taller (to me at least).  They also could be as small as shrubs and still flower well, as can be seen in lava fields that have calmed enough for some green to return (see dramatic photo below).  The wood of the tree is considered a hardwood, and may be used for making furniture or flooring, although use of it as such in these modern days is limited.  Often if you do see furniture made from `ohi`a, it is very organic looking and may not suit the average buyer.
The tree also puts out aerial roots that tend to slope down the trunk of the tree.  Extra nourishment from the air!

The flower itself is not a petaled flower as you can see here, but more of a spray of color.  This flower is a common sight on the Big Island and is often used in lei and decorations, and is practically the insignia of the Big Island.  Perhaps due to its hardiness and interesting spray of color that the flower is often associated with the fire goddess Pele, who is said to reside here on the Big Island (surrounded by forests of `ohi`a, incidentally).
In any case, this flower also comes in other shades, the less common yellow and the even more rare cross-bred orange.  All very attractive plants, if you ask me.

Sourced: Here but also my own knowledge
-Sabrina Robello





Community Events
PhD Dissertation Defense: Tues. July 17, 3pm-4pm, Manoa Campus Marine Science bldg, Rm 100
I tend to troll through UH Manoa's event calendar, and things like this pop up, but this dissertation is regarding global warming and its affects on the environment.  Seemed like an interesting event to me, but please do read more here.

Issue 11: Flower of `Oahu, Golden `Ilima

Ho`okahi leo ua lawa.
One voice is enough.
One reminder is all you need.

Organism of the Week! - Pua `ilima - Sida fallax
In 1923 the territorial governor decided that this golden flower would be `Oahu's designated flower emblem.  In 2000, Governor Cayetano endorsed this decision by signing some official documents designating it as such.  However, I didn't have the slightest clue each island could be represented by a different flower, so this is news to me.

This flower actually looks a bit like our state flower, the hibiscus, except it's much smaller from what I understand.  The coloration can also vary as well, but in this case `Oahu's flower is particularly of the yellow-golden variety.
Incidentally, ancient Hawaiians had many uses for this plant.  Juice from the flowers were a mild laxative used by children, and the flowers were eaten by pregnant women.  Root bark combined with the flowers would treat asthma, and chewing the buds would alleviate thirst (when water was difficult to find I suppose?).  The stems of the plant could also be used as slats for roofing, or would make excellent supplies for making baskets.
These days the flower is pretty for landscaping purposes, and easy to grow in dryer climates (unsurprising for a flower of `Oahu).
Sourced: Here

Community Events!
Monk Seal Mania - Thurs. July 12, Waikiki Aquarium, 3pm-3:45pm
The aquarium is hosting an event about monk seals - admittedly for younger audiences, but it might still be fun and definitely interesting.  Event costs $2, a paltry sum for an interesting afternoon.
Kako`o `Oiwi - Sat. July 14, Directions Here, 8:30am onward
This is another volunteer opportunity working in a lo`i, out near Kaneohe.  If you're in the neighborhood and interested in applying some native Hawaiian practices, this is the place to be.  You may want to take some more modern precautions though - the website requests volunteers wear sneakers, as well as sunscreen and bug spray.

Issue 10: July 4th

E ho`ohuli ka lima i lalo.
Turn the hands down.
Hands palms downward is usually when the hands are most productive.

Another late post!  On the up side, I've completed my course so there will be no more excuses for late or minimal posts!  On the down side, this is my last lame excuse blog for the summer (or at least the next month).

808 ID Booth

In any case, this week is the week that our Independence Day falls on.  While I'm not overly patriotic and even if I were I hardly think this would be the appropriate place to harp on about that - in Volcano town on Big Island, that means that it's time for the annual Fourth of July parade and community festival!  This includes a very interesting craft fair!
Volcano is generally known as a small town filled with art hippies and the annual summer craft fair does not disappoint.  Beautiful wares of all types can be found ranging from kitschy masks, soaps, or potholders to beautifully carved koa items, sparkling glassware and jewelry.
But why is this relevant?  Well I know many of our club members frequently travel to the Big Island and would perhaps appreciate the beautiful pieces inspired by our native surroundings.  I've seen glassware inspired by our lava fields that practically glows on its own, or lively sculptures of the i`iwi, things that are just fantastic.
But whether or not you can afford these treasures, just the sight of them all is pretty inspiring.  Or maybe it's just me.  In any case, if you're on the island, come on up to Volcano to check it out.  The parade ends at the Volcano Community Center, where the festival and craft fair is held.

Issue 9: Another Exam (Sigh)

I mohala no ka lehua i ke ke`ekehi `ia e ka ua.
Translation: The lehua blossom unfolds when rain treads on it.
Basically this is the Hawaiian version of "You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar."  - people respond better to gentle words than harsh ones.

Organism of the Week!:  Once again postponed! So sorry, am trying not to lose my steam on this, but I'm at the end of my summer course and I've really got to do well.  Please enjoy some pretty pictures of Hawaii google has provided for us :)

Volcano themed!

Since I'm in Volcano!

-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Google, none of the photos are mine


Community Events!
Ipu Decoration: Saturday June 30, 9:30am-1:30 pm, Lyon Arboretum, UH Manoa Campus
This event is more of a craft workshop lead by Tamsen Fox, a skilled artist who'll teach you how to etch, dye, woodburn and all types of things for a decorative ipu.  Class fee=$50 but for a fun Saturday learning some interesting crafts, it does seem to be worth it.

Issue 8: Puakenikeni

Onipa`a.
Be steadfast.
(Incidentally, the motto of Queen Lili`uokalani)

Organism of the Week! Puakenikeni - "Ten-Cent Flower" - Fagraea Berteroana

The puakenikeni is a flower commonly used for lei here in Hawaii, but it grows on many islands in the Pacific.  The plant itself typically grows as a small shrub or tree, growing to sizes of approximately 16ft tall, but it can be grown to be as tall as 50ft tall.  It produces small "berries" which sprout into the pretty flowers seen at left, and are non-edible.  The leaves are broad and a bit waxy, and the stemmy bits are tough, covered in a bark. But as far as my brief research has shown, the primary use of this plant is ornamental - many gardens feature a lovely puakenikeni shrub.
And since it's summer, it's graduation season, which is the main time of year that I personally get to see this flower in action.  Leis made of puakenikeni are nearly as common as plumeria lei around graduation time, and wonderfully fragrant.

-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here



Community Events!
All About Turmeric - Sat June 23, 9:30am - 11:30am, Manoa Campus (Lyon Arboretum)
This is a program about turmeric (olena), the daily benefits of it, its use in cooking and such.  This program includes a booklet and samples, but costs $25 to attend.

Issue 7: Postponed!

Lawe i ka ma`alea a ku`ono`ono.
Acquire a skill and make it deep. (Working on it!)

Organism of the Week: None for this week unfortunately!  The main writer has unfortunately been studying hard for an exam all week and not diligently researching a fascinating native organism!  Never fear, more to come next week!
For now, enjoy some pretty photos from google.

Community Events:
Hei`eia Stream Restoration Project - Sat. June 16, 8am-12pm (details here)
The monthly cleanup and restoration of this stream has been going on since 2009, includes implementing erosion control techniques.  Non-professional volunteers welcome.
Invasive Algae Cleanup - Sat June 16, 9am-11am, Waikiki Aquarium
Another Saturday restoration project!  Get some good karma in before Father's day and remove algae and sorting through invasive and native limu.  Sounds fun?  Be ready to get wet and arrive by 8:45 to check in (where I assume they will inform you which is good limu and which is bad).

Issue 6: Hawaiian Tree Snails

Mai kapae i ke a`o ka makua aia he ola malaila.

Don't set aside your parents teaching, for there is life there.

Organism of the Week! : Hawaiian Tree snail
Given how the founder of our club is currently working towards the conservation of these creatures (check it out here), I thought it would be prudent to do at least a cursory blog about them.  Unfortunately, I do not know the different names of the few species that still survive today, ergo general research on Hawaiian tree snails.
There used to be quite a few different species of tree snail, but these days that number has dwindled down to  an embarrassingly low number.

These species are endangered (and extinct) due primarily to the disappearance of their native habitat - the presence of these tree snails indicate a healthy, unspoiled habitat, but due to predation and invasive species of plants, these snails are disappearing.  Some of these species are down to the last several hundred specimens which are kept in labs to encourage a safe environment for them.

Now the use of these snails historically is for their pretty shells.  Ancient (and present) Hawaiians made lei with these striking shells.  This required many of them, but apparently did not have a significant affect on the population.  Kind of remarkable given how very many shells were needed for a single lei - no, invasive plants can pretty much take all the blame for these species dying out or becoming endangered.

-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here mostly


Community Events!
Towards Green Mauka and Blue Makai - Wed June 6, 3-4pm, Queen Lili`uokalani Center Rm 412
Fulbright Scholar Mojca Stubelj Ars from Slovenia presents here research findings after spending a year at UHM researching the connection between environmental education and sustainable choices int he tourism industry here in Hawaii.

Issue 5: `ahinahina

`A`ohe hana nui ke alu`ia.
No task is too much when done together by all.

Organism of the Week! Haleakala Silversword - Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum
This particular subspecies is found only on Haleakala on the island of Maui.  The plant was categorized as a threatened plant back in 1992, when it was nearly grazed to extinction by introduced cattle and goats, as well as mishandled by humans.  I get the feeling a lot of people just started yanking them up - my source is not exactly clear on how exactly these plants were "vandalized".

In any case, these odd plants are found way high up on Haleakala, the dormant volcano on Maui.  Typically it can be seen from the elevation 7000ft-10,000ft on the mountain.  Given the volcanic nature, there are only cinders and volcanic rock that high up, so this tough plant has adapted to live off cinders.  It stores water on its own, and given how sunny and dry it is that high up, that would pretty much be the only way the plant could survive.  It further adapted by developing tiny hairs on its leaves to reflect light directly toward its main growing area - the stem.  Very clever :)
While this plant is not integral to Hawaiian culture, it is one of many species native to Hawaii that is currently in danger of extinction.  These days cattle and intrigued tourists aren't the issue so much as introduced insects that interrupt the pollination process of these rare plants.  And we do like to highlight conservation issues here at Hui Malama `Aina :)

-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here and here.


Community Events:
Hawaii Conservation Alliance Free Lecture Series - Wed May 30 5:30pm, ING Direct Cafe (1958 Kalakaua Ave.)
Lectures sound dull off the bat.  But this one is free and features different speakers every last Wednesday of the month.  This month features Elia Herman, from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, so it'll probably be related to whales.  This short lecture is followed by a Q & A period so feel free to speak up!

Please do feel free to leave a comment if there are relevant events going on this week that I've missed.  I'm currently going off of conservationist websites and their calendars, so it'll happen.  Thanks :)

Issue 4: Koki`o

Ma ka hana ka `ike.
Translation: In working one learns.

Organism of the Day! Hibiscus kokio subspecies saintjohnianus - Koki`o

This lovely plant is one of the many hibiscuses in the islands.  This is an "endemic" plant, of the shrub variety.  A shrubbery!  This particular shrubbery is only found in Kaua`i, in the coastal valleys, and nowhere else in the world.  As I've only seen images on google, I can't be a hundred percent on this, but this flower is one of the most beautiful hibiscuses one can see.
Culturally, these lovely flowers are used in lei (unsurprisingly, given how lovely the blooms are) but the plant also serves as a laxative, if one is so inclined.  However, the species is endangered so one would probably resort to pharmaceuticals if it was necessary, instead of crushing the leaves of this endangered plant to soothe tummy ills.
Look here to view a convenient flickr album with images of the plant/bloom. (all rights go to Jupiter Nielsen)

-Sabrina Robello

Sourced: Here

Community Events!
Gallery of Eco-Solutions - Tues, May 22 11am-1pm, East-West Center @ UH Manoa Campus
Nineteen environmental leaders traveled all over the Hawaiian islands to seek out new environmental solutions to bring back to their countries.  Things like the application of seawater air conditioning or koa reforestation efforts will be discussed - seems like an informative event for one who is interested in the topic :)
Na Mele o Na Pua - Olomana - Sun May 20 5pm-6pm, Plaza Stage at Waikiki Beach Walk
Some nice Hawaiian music makes for a nice evening of entertainment.  Family friendly, free event, with valet parking if ya need it.

Issue 3: `I`iwi

Hahai no ka ua i ka ulula'au. 
Translation: The rain follows after the forest.
Basically, destroy the forest, the rain stops falling, the land is ruined.  And no more `i`iwi!  D:
Sourced: Mary Kawena Pukui, as always.

Organism of the Day: `I`iwi (Vestiaria coccinea)

The `i`iwi, also called the scarlet Hawaiian honeycreeper, is quite the handsome thing, isn't it?  I used to see `i`iwi perched in the `ohia trees in my yard growing up.  But time went on that birds showed up less and less...they're one of the many endangered birds native to Hawai`i.  However, this species is the most populous of its family (the honeycreeper family that is) and should be one of the more common native species one can see here in Hawaii. 
The honeycreeper is designated a "hummingbird-niched" species of bird - so as you could have guessed from their long bills, they sip nectar from tasty flowers.  They're diet is mainly nectar, but my research also says they consume "small arthropods" which when google-searched reveals many images of shudder-inducing insects.  They also lay pretty blue eggs to reproduce, yielding yellowish-green chicks that eventually turn red.  These little birds can also migrate between islands, which is why I'm told that the species isn't completely nonexistent on some islands.

 With such pretty plumage, it's probably unsurprising that Hawaiians prized `i`iwi feathers for feather-trade items like helmets, capes and such.  However this species was less revered, which meant it was not as significantly affected by this feather trade as some other species were.
At the moment the main reason behind the lowering population of these birds is simply progress.  Less forests mean less flowers with nectar for these birds to drink from.  As a result, less birds.
So perhaps a little slowing with progress and a little more caring for these birds, eh?
-Sabrina Robello

Sourced:  Mostly here, don't judge me.

Community Events!
The Green Gala - Fri May 18 6pm (The Pacific Club)
The Hawaii Nature Center is putting on their annual fundraiser!  A night including dinner, entertainment, auctions, and feeling good about a good cause!  The Hawaii Nature Center is dedicated to sharing knowledge and encouraging "wise stewardship" of the environment - which is basically what we at Hui Malama `Aina are dedicated to.  So take a night off and enjoy :)

He'eia Stream Restoration Workday- Sat May 19 8am-11am (Hui Ku Maoli Ola: native plant nursery 46-403 Haiku Rd, Kaneohe)

 Volunteers work on restoring the native vegetation and fight erosion!  Manual labor is restorative to more than just plants...sometimes its therapeutic. 

Release 2: Hapu`u

 He lawai'a no ke kai papa'u, he pokole ke aho; he lawai'a no ke kai hohonu he loa ke aho.
Translation:   A fisherman of shallow seas uses only a short line; a fisherman of the deep sea uses a long line.
It might be a bit late, but basically this means you'll get as far as you'll prepare yourself to get.  So the harder you work here before graduation, the more successful you'll be later.
Sourced:  Mary Kawena Pukui 

Organism of the Week!
Cibotum Glaucum

http://www.poakalani.net/florals.html

There's really just so many species to choose from, I can tell that picking one once a week to research and writ about will be pretty difficult.
In any case.  This week I decided to go with the hapu`u.  My yard is full of these and they're pretty great, so I decided to share their awesome with the internet.  The hapu`u is a tree fern, the Hawaiian tree fern to  be exact, on of some 800 species that are "descended from prehistoric plant growth".  So they're like dinosaur trees.  They grow to be some 15-20 ft tall with a 15 ft spread.  Sometimes they grow a bit tilted and crack and fall down, but instead of laying there as dead wood the hapu`u often just proceeds to grow the lazy way, lying down.  It's super slow-growing, but the result is a beautiful fresh-green colored fern fronds, lacy fronds that collect dew and sparkle like magic.
The plant does have edible parts - the young core of the tree and the young leaves are edible, but I don't think it's exactly good eats either.  In the 1800's the fine hairs that grow on the young shoots (pulu) were collected as stuffing for pillows.  But these days hapu`u are primarily decorative vegetation, strategically planted.  They usually grow in wet rainforest type areas, but due to development there's just a lot less of those areas around for the plant to grow in.  

http://kaiana.blogspot.com/2009/04/hapuu-pulu.html

 -Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here


Community Events
Honolulu Academy of Arts - (M-F 10am-4:30pm, Sat 1pm-5pm) "Hawaii's First Pictures: Prints From The Lahainaluna Seminary" - This exhibition consists of historical printmaking, some of the first images produced here in Hawaii.  Definitely worth a look, and an affordable, educational field trip besides ($5 kids and students, $10 adults)
Render: Bachelor Of Fine Arts Exhibition 2012 - (Tues 10:30am-5:00pm, McCarthy Mall) - It's the end of the year and time for the BFA students in their final year to display their works.  As a fan of art, I recommend you take a look at what Hawaii's graduates of 2012 have to show for themselves.
 Lyon Arboretum Plant Sale - (Sat. 9am-2m, Harold L. Lyon Arboretum)  Take the shuttle up to the Lyon Arboretum for the Spring Plant Sale, indulge your gardening lust and pick up a hapu`u for yourself, or some orchids or ginger to add fragrance and color to your foliage :)  Admission is free, the plants are pretty, and what have you got to do Saturday (aside from graduate)?

Release 1

E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
Try it to end the panic.
This was relevant for this first episode of the blog...this means to just do it (Nike!), just get it over with.

Sourced: Mahalo Mary Kawena Pukui



Organism of the Week!
Olona - Touchardia latifolia
As the first release of our newsletter, I had a difficult time choosing a plant to feature.  I am not a student of botany or deeply entrenched in my culture so this article will be a learning experience for me (and hopefully for you as well).  I did know of the olona plant, that it was known for its strength and durability, but further research was necessary.

Olona
(http://directoryofkauai.net/blog/canoe-plants-and-olona)

The olona is a rainforest shrub of the nettle family that was once cultivated in ancient Hawaii for its properties as building material.  It is less populous now but can still be found in lower elevation forests or in boggy areas, often near streams.  The plant grows 4 to 8 ft tall in the wild with large leaves with serrated edges.  While the plant does flower and bear fruit, it does not look like anything I'd want to eat.  The value of this plant and the reason it was one of the few if not the only non-food plant that was cultivated was due to the value of the fibers derived from the plant.
The bark of the olona could be stripped off easily and the fibers within could be treated (from my brief research the treating involved scraping off the bark with opihi shells, rolling the strips inside out then soaking the strips in water for days, then scraping the pulpy bits off while others separated fibers and rolled them into bundles for transport home) then twisted into ropes of varying thickness.  The strength of these ropes were well known and when Captain Cook visited, he took with him word of the quality of this product of Hawaii.  Olona lines replaced rigging on many ships and Europe came to know how superior the quality was, even to the point where Swiss climbers would have olona lines imported.
However, Hawaiians had previously used olona to make everything from netting to adornment (like the  beautiful feather capes - ahu `ula)  and the fact that the treated ropes and lines were resistant to breakage from stress or seawater only enhanced the value and significance.
Quite the useful plant, no?

-Sabrina Robello
Sourced: Here and Here mostly


Community Events:
UH Manoa Art Sale: May 3-5, UH Art Building
It's the end of the school year and art students are selling their wares on campus for reasonable prices.  Perhaps some Hawaii-inspired art can be found there?
First Fridays: May 4, Chinatown
First Fridays in Chinatown is another art event where pedestrians can enjoy art and some lower-priced drinks at the bars.
Kanewai Lo`i: May 5, 8:30 a.m., Kanewai Lo`i (Near the Kamakakuokalani Building on Dole)
Start the weekend by helping some plants!  Volunteer your time and energy to a good cause, and if you're lucky you'll get to walk in the taro patch and squish mud between your toes.  And also there's tasty Hawaiian food, but personally, the mud is my favorite part.