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.