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.