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!