6 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘a‘ali‘i

other common names: ‘a‘ali‘i kū range of habitats from dunes at sea makani, ‘a‘ali‘i kū ma kua, kū- level up through leeward and dry makani, hop bush, hopseed bush forests and to the highest peaks scientific name: Dodonaea viscosa current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common family: Sapindaceae (soapberry family) cultivars: female cultivars such as ‘Purpurea’ and ‘Saratoga’ have natural setting/location: indigenous, been selected for good fruit color pantropical species, found on all the main Hawaiian Islands except Kaho‘olawe; grows in a wide

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds; semi-hardwood cuttings or air layering for selected color forms preplanting treatment: step on seed capsule to release small, round, black seeds, or use heavy gloves and rub capsules vigorously between hands; put seeds in water that has been brought to a boil and removed from heat, soak for about 24 hours; if seeds start to swell, sow imme- diately; discard floating, nonviable seeds; use strong rooting hormone on cuttings temperature: planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in tolerates dry heat; tem- after fruiting period to shape or keep medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" perature 32–90°F short; can be shaped into a small tree or maintained as a shrub, hedge, or into medium elevation: 10–7700' espalier (on a trellis) germination time: 2–4 weeks salt tolerance: good (moderate at special cultural hints: male and female cutting rooting time: 1½–3 months higher elevations) plants are separate, although bisex- wind resistance: good ual plants can also be found; males preferred production produce no seed capsules; if a cer- conditions management tain “variety” (i.e., leaf size, capsule color, etc.) is desired, it is probably general soil characteristics: well fertilizer needs: medium best to grow from cuttings or air drained is best; tolerant of dry condi- layering; although drought tolerant, tions recommended spacing: 6–8' apart it will shed leaves during extreme soil pH: 5.5–6.5 drought conditions adaptation to growing in containers: yes, light: suggested companion plantings: full sun 2-gallon tubs or larger low native shrubs from dry to moist water: moderately drought tolerant pruning: responds well to pruning; do habitats, such as ferns, ‘ilima, ‘ākia, not cut back into old wood; prune kupukupu, pōhinahina, ilie‘e, ‘ūlei, kulu‘ī Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 7 ‘a‘ali‘i

Plant characteristics

height: 6–24' spread: 6–15' growth rate: moderate to fast growth habit: spreading shrub to small tree

seed capsules Native and Canoe Plants (flowers are insignificant)

size: ¼–5⁄8" color: ranges from white/tan to pink and deep burgundy shape: 2- to 5-winged Harvesting References and further time to fruiting: fruits produced in 2nd considerations reading year after outplanting what is harvested: fruit (winged papery Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native capsules) and leaves Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the foliage Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. harvesting techniques: cut plant tips texture: leathery, shiny only Culliney, John L., and Bruce P. Koebele. 1999. A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to color: native forms have green foli- best time of day to harvest: Grow and Care for Island Plants. Honolulu: age, cultivars have bronzy green to early morning University of Hawai‘i Press. purplish-red foliage best way to transport from picking area: Metcalf, L.J. 1995. The Propagation of New shape: spatula shaped with blunt or cloth bag or cardboard box Zealand Native Plants. Auckland, New Zea- pointed tips land: Godwit Press. Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a fragrance: none Notes on lei making Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- pests best for which type of lei: neck, head, ity Control. wrist, ankle, horse common diseases: mycoplasma-dodo- Rauch, Fred D., Heidi L. Bornhorst, Rhonda naea yellow disease (virus-like), cleaning of plant materials: cold water Stibbe, and David Hensley. 1997. ‘A‘ali‘i. nematodes, powdery mildew, root soak University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, OF-20. rot storing raw lei materials: store in card- Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological other pests: ants, aphids, caterpillars, board box and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 14 days Sketches of Volcanoes National Park. Ho- mealybugs, scales, slugs, spider nolulu: Hawaii Natural History Association mites preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- and University of Hawai‘i Press. kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and before adding to lei S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- storing a completed lei before wearing: ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop soak in water for 5 minutes, drip dry, Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop wrap in 3 sheets of damp newspa- Museum Press. per, place in cardboard box or ti leaf pū‘olo (package), and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: air-dry; capsules keep their color if kept out of the sun 8 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘a¯kia

other common names: kauhi, Molo- low elevations on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, ka‘i osmanthus Moloka‘i, and Maui scientific name: Wikstroemia current status in the wild in hawai‘i: uva-ursi uncommon to rare in the wild; most commonly used in landscaping family: Thymelaeaceae (‘ākia family) cultivars: prostrate and upright forms are available natural setting/location: endemic to Hawaiian Islands; rare to scat- tered on clay flats, ‘a‘ā lava, dry

Growing your own

handling cautions: ‘ākia bark and fruits may be poisonous; sap burns skin and eyes

propagation form: seeds; semi-hardwood tip cut- tings; air layering preplanting treatment: remove seeds from pulp, soak in water for 24 hours, discard nonviable floating seeds, and start in full sun with 1–2 seeds per container; select semi- mature tip cuttings and treat with medium rooting hormone planting depth: sow seed ¼–½" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium germination time: 1–12 months elevation: 10–1500' pruning: can be kept shaped but dras- tic pruning may cause dieback; light cutting rooting time: salt tolerance: good 7–8 weeks under heading back may be necessary periodic mist wind resistance: good special cultural hints: avoid water- preferred production logged soils; once established, management conditions keep on the dry side; not all plants fertilizer needs: medium produce fruits; propagate ripe fruits general soil characteristics: well (red ones); plants from seed vary in drained recommended spacing: a minimum of growth form 12" apart in rows such that a person soil pH: 6.5 suggested companion plantings: can reach middle of plants low light: full sun native shrubs from dry to moist hab- adaptation to growing in containers: yes, itats such as ferns, ‘ilima, ‘a‘ali‘i, water: keep dry from 6" pots to large display pots kupukupu, pōhinahina, ilie‘e, ‘ūlei, temperature: 65–90°F and planter boxes kului Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 9 ‘a¯kia

Plant characteristics

height: 2–5' spread: 2–5' growth rate: slow to establish growth habit: dense, spreading or sprawling shrub

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: to ½" color: yellow-green shape: tubular, four-part fragrance: yes, resembling honey- suckle flowers in first year: no; plants from cuttings will flower faster than seed- The lei shown also contains ‘a‘ali‘i, pūkiawe, ‘ūlei, palapalai, and ‘ōhi‘a lehua. lings (2–3 years) flowering period: year-round harvesting techniques: pull and twist or lei can be stored in ti leaf pū‘olo or time to flowering: 12–18 months to cut cardboard box; fruit can be stored in flowering and 2–3 years to harvest- plastic container able size best time of day to harvest: early morning preserving a lei for long-term storage or inducing and maintaining flowering: not display: cannot be preserved known; flowering can occur year- best way to transport from picking area: round without special treatment if cloth bag plant is not under stress References and further reading Notes on lei making foliage Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native best for which type of lei: texture: waxy neck, head, Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the wrist, ankle Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. color: pale green; selected forms are cleaning of plant materials: dense with blue-green foliage cold water Culliney, John L., and Bruce P. Koebele. soak 1999. A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to shape: small, oval, short-stemmed Grow and Care for Island Plants. Honolulu: storing raw lei materials: place branch University of Hawai‘i Press. fragrance: none tips and flowers in water for 5 min- utes before storing in ti leaf pū‘olo Rauch, Fred D., and David Hensley. 1997. “‘ kia.” University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, pests (package) or cardboard box for up to Ā 7 days; place fruit in plastic con- OF-12. common diseases: root rot, root-knot tainer and store for up to 14 days; Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. nematode refrigerate at 40°F Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National other pests: scales, snails, slugs preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Park. Honolulu: Hawaii Natural History As- kled, limp, or poor-quality areas sociation and University of Hawai‘i Press. before adding to lei; if sewing fruit, Harvesting clip all stems; flowers and fruits can Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and considerations S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- be used together or separately ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop what is harvested: branch tips, flowers, storing a completed lei before wearing: Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: fruit soak lei, drip dry and refrigerate; University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. 10 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei hala

other common names: pandanus, pū native throughout Polynesia and hala, screw pine, walking fences Oceania scientific name: Pandanus tectorius current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common family: Pandanaceae (screw pine family) cultivars: mostly variegated forms used in landscaping; smooth-leaf natural setting/location: indigenous variety recommended for ease of to the Hawaiian Islands; found in harvesting the lower forest areas and along the wetter shorelines on all main islands except Kaho‘olawe; also

Growing your own salt tolerance: good handling cautions: most green forms wind resistance: good have sharp, saw-toothed leaves management propagation fertilizer needs: heavy form: seeds; cuttings (large stem cut- recommended spacing: tings may be used) 20–30' apart in land- preplanting treatment: separate the fruit scape, 4–5' apart if segments, soak seeds in water for 24 managed for foliage hours; no rooting hormone needed adaptation to growing for cuttings in containers: yes, will planting depth: sow seeds on surface; grow in just about any plant base of cutting vertically 3–4" container, but quickly into medium or place cutting into develops into a large medium at a nearly horizontal angle, plant leaving the top exposed pruning: head back germination time: 3–5 months (cut back) to keep within picking height; cutting rooting time: 3 months remove yellow and brown leaves preferred production special cultural hints: conditions male and female general soil characteristics: well flowers are produced drained best; tolerant of a wide range on different trees of soils including coral sands (dioecious); male trees have drooping clusters soil pH: 6.5–7.0 of very fragrant male light: full sun flowers called hina- no; female trees have water: drought tolerant but thrives in compact greenish heads of female suggested companion plantings: ‘ūlei, areas where groundwater is present flowers that mature into the pineap- ‘ākia, ‘ilima, ma‘o, loulu, naupaka temperature: 60–90°F ple-shaped composite fruit kahakai, ‘ōhi‘a lehua, ferns elevation: 10–2000' Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 11 hala

Plant characteristics

height: to 30' spread: to 20' (wide-branched) growth rate: moderate growth habit: open, round-headed tree with stilt-like props

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: male inflorescence 1' long sur- rounded by narrow bracts, female flower insignificant color: white preserving a lei for long-term storage or shape: male flower spikes oblong, Harvesting display: air-dry female spherical considerations fragrance: yes, male flowers what is harvested: fruits, leaves, male flowers References and further flowers in first year: no reading harvesting techniques: pull leaves, do flowering period: male trees flower not cut; cut fruits; wear gloves Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native about every 60 days, female trees Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the flower about 1–3 times per year best time of day to harvest: Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. early morning time to flowering: ~7 years from seed, Degener, Otto. 1945. Plants of Hawaii 1 year from cutting best way to transport from picking area: National Park Illustrative of Plants and cloth bag Customs of the South Seas. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Edwards Brothers, Inc. foliage Hensley, David, Rhonda Stibbe, and Fred D. texture: leathery, tough, with saw- Notes on lei making Rauch. 1997. “Hala.” University of Hawai‘i, toothed edges CTAHR, OF-17. best for which type of lei: neck, head, Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- color: dark green to variegated yel- wrist, ankle, horse ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual low and green vase life: 1 month for leaves, 3 weeks Publishing. shape: sword-shaped leaves up to 6' for fruits, 4 days for flowers Little, Elbert L. Jr., and Roger G. Skolmen. long, prickles on margins and midrib 1989. Common Forest Trees of Hawai‘i (Na- cleaning of plant materials: spray tive and Introduced). Agriculture Handbook flowers and leaves with water; soak no. 679. Washingtron, D.C.: U.S. Depart- fruit fruits in lemon (or lime) water for 5 ment of Agriculture, Forest Service. size: fruit ~8", fruitlets 1–2" long minutes Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State color: green to yellow, orange, red storing raw lei materials: flowers and fruits can be refrigerated at 40°F for of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- shape: fruitlets wedge-shaped up to 7 days, leaves for up to 30 days ity Control. fragrance: woodsy Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape preparing for use in lei: clip flowers and Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: leaves before sewing; break fruitlets Hawaii Floriculture. pests from fruit, pierce, and sew Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. common diseases: none storing a completed lei before wearing: Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological mist flowers and leaves with water Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. other pests: ants, mealybugs, mosqui- and store in paper box; place fruits Honolulu: Hawaii Natural History Associa- toes, rats, scales, whiteflies in sealed plastic container or bag tion and University of Hawai‘i Press. without misting; refrigerate 12 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei hinahina

other common names: beach helio- endemic, occurs in sandy coastal trope, hinahina kūkahakai sites on Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Moloka‘i but is apparently scientific name: Heliotropium rare on Maui and Hawai‘i anomalum var. argenteum current status in the wild in hawai‘i: family: Boraginaceae scattered to locally common (borage family) natural setting/location: shoreline areas; H. anomalum is widely distributed throughout Polynesia; H. anomalum var. argenteum is

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds; tip or hard stem cuttings 2–3" long preplanting treatment: no seed treat- ment needed; no rooting hormone needed for cuttings, but misting helps planting depth: sow seeds on surface of medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium germination time: 1–3 months cutting rooting time: 2–4 weeks

preferred production conditions management special cultural hints: keep on well-lit, general soil characteristics: sandy, dry side; too much shade or water porous fertilizer needs: light makes plant leggy and not as silvery; soil pH: 6.0–7.5 recommended spacing: 3–5' on center root rot usually results from overwa- tering and waterlogged soil light: sunny location adaptation to growing in containers: yes, suggested companion plantings: native water: moderate to light 6–8" plastic pots coastal plants such as ‘ilima, ma‘o, pruning: temperature: 60–90°F will improve appearance, naupaka kahakai, nehe, pōhinahina, but not required for production ‘ākia, hala elevation: 10–900' purposes salt tolerance: good wind resistance: good Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 13 hinahina

Plant characteristics

height: 6–18" spread: 3–5' growth rate: moderate growth habit: low, mat-like

foliage

texture: silky and soft with flat-lying Native and Canoe Plants hairs color: gray green to silver shape: semi-succulent, sword-shaped; wider near the tip than the base fragrance: mild

pests common diseases: root rot, nematodes other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, The bottom lei shown also contains ti. thrips

Notes on lei making References and further Harvesting reading considerations best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native what is harvested: leaves, flowers Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the cleaning of plant materials: cold water harvesting techniques: pick carefully or Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. dip cut Crivellone, C.F. 1991. “Hinahina for Use storing raw lei materials: wrap in dry as a Landscape Ground-cover.” In: 1989 best time of day to harvest: any time newspaper, place in a sealed plastic Hawaii Nursery Research. University of best way to transport from picking area: container, and refrigerate at 40°F for Hawai‘i, CTAHR Research Extension Series brown paper bag up to 14 days 126, p. 13–14. avoid contact with these products: preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State before adding to lei of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- wilting flowers ity Control. storing a completed lei before wearing: Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and wrap lei in dry newspaper, place in a S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- sealed plastic container, and refriger- ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop ate Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: preserving a lei for long-term storage or University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. display: air-dry 14 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘ilima

other common names: ‘ilima papa current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Sida fallax common family: Malvaceae (mallow family) cultivars: ‘ilima-lei; ‘ilima-ku-kula; ‘ilima-ku-kahakai (‘ilima papa); natural setting/location: indigenous ‘ilima-koli-kukui to Hawaiian Islands and wide- spread throughout Pacific islands to China; found in coastal areas, arid lava fields, and dry to mesic (medium-wet) forests; the official flower of the City and County of Honolulu

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds; cuttings preplanting treatment: soak seeds in water that has been brought to a boil and removed from heat, let sit for about 8–24 hours; use medium root- ing hormone on cuttings planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; insert base of cuttings 1–2" into medium germination time: 1–3 months cutting rooting time: 1–3 months

preferred production conditions

general soil characteristics: special cultural hints well management : requires good drained drainage, high sunlight, and mini- fertilizer needs: light soil pH: to 7.5 mal fertilization, especially with N; recommended spacing: 2–4' apart, de- plants grown from seed will have light: sunny location pending on growth form leaf, flower, and habit variations; water: dry (beach form) to moderate many variations naturally occur, adaptation to growing in containers: yes, (upland form) therefore care should be taken to se- 1-gallon pots or large planters lect the correct type to meet specific temperature: 60–90°F pruning: head back (cut back) to needs elevation: 10–2000' maintain size and shape and induce suggested companion plantings: ‘ākia, more flowering branches, but not too salt tolerance: good (moderate for hinahina, pōhinahina, ma‘o severely; prune dead wood higher elevations) wind resistance: good Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 15 ‘ilima

Plant characteristics

height: 6"–7' spread: depends on type; upright 3–6' growth rate: fast growth habit: many plant and flower forms; shrub shapes vary from low growing and sprawling to erect, dense to sparse Native and Canoe Plants flowers size: ¼–¾" color: yellow-orange, reddish brown shape: round, cup-shaped; rotate, pet- als broadly obovate fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes The lei shown also contains ti. flowering period: year-round time to flowering: 3–4 months Notes on lei making References and further inducing and maintaining flowering: re- reading best for which type of lei: move spent flowers neck, head, wrist, ankle Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the cleaning of plant materials: pests no water Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. storing raw lei materials: common diseases: root rot, leaf spot wrap in dry Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- (rust fungus), lesion and reniform tissue paper, place in cardboard box, ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual nematodes, damping off of seedlings and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 2 Publishing. days; no water Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a other pests: ants, aphids, scales, slugs, preparing for use in lei: take calyx Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State snails (in wet areas), thrips, white- of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- flies (green, leafy base) off, then sew; if using calyx and flowers, remove ity Control. lower leaves, leaving 4 or 5 with Rauch, Fred D., Heidi L. Bornhorst, and Harvesting flower buds David L. Hensley. 1997. “Ilima.” University considerations of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, OF-15. storing a completed lei before wearing: wrap lei in dry tissue paper, place in Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and what is harvested: flowers . Manual of the Flowering cardboard box, and refrigerate; no S.H. Sohmer. 1990 Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum harvesting technique: pull carefully to water avoid bruising Special Publication 83. Honolulu: Univer- preserving a lei for long-term storage or sity of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum best time of day to harvest: display: air-dry Press. early morning best way to transport from picking area: cardboard box avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, wilting flowers 16 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kauna‘oa

other common names: kauna‘oa, natural setting/location: kauna‘oa kauna‘oa kahakai, kauna‘oa lei kahakai is found in coastal areas (endemic); kauna‘oa-pehu (in- on all the main Hawaiian Is- digenous); western field dodder lands; kauna‘oa-pehu is found in (introduced); dodder lowlands scientific name: current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Cuscuta sandwichiana (endemic); scattered to locally common Cassytha filiformis(indigenous); Cuscuta campestris (introduced) family: Cuscutaceae (dodder fam- ily) (Cuscuta); Lauraceae (laurel family) (Cassytha)

Growing your own

handling cautions: may irritate eyes

propagation form: seeds; stem segments placed on plants will attach to and parasit- ize them preplanting treatment: remove seeds from pulp and rinse planting depth: surface-sow seeds cutting rooting time: plant is rootless

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: sandy or rocky soil, cinders, or tree bark of host plant light: full sun water: keep moist temperature: heat tolerant, 75–90°F elevation: 10–300' salt tolerance: good wind resistance: good special cultural hints management : needs host plant; may kill host plant if left unchecked fertilizer needs: fertilize host plant; suggested companion plantings: spray parasite with weak foliar grows on formulation many native and introduced plants; legumes are good hosts; C. sandwi- adaptation to growing in containers: can chiana may prefer woody shrubs or parasitize a container-grown host trees with bushy growth habit, such pruning: break off unwanted growth as noni Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 17 kauna‘oa

Plant characteristics

height: will layer upon itself up to 4" thick spread: unlimited growth rate: rapid growth habit: parasitic vine

foliage Native and Canoe Plants texture: filamentous stems (no leaves) color: stems slender, yellow to or- ange, lack chlorophyl shape: stringy fragrance: none

pests common diseases: none known; can transmit viruses to host plants other pests: none known

Harvesting considerations The lei shown also contains maile.

what is harvested: vines storing raw lei materials: harvesting techniques: cut wrap in dry References and further newspaper, store in plastic container, reading best time of day to harvest: any time and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 10 Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- best way to transport from picking area: days for Cassytha filiformisand 2 ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual brown paper bag days for Cuscuta sandwichiana; no water Publishing. avoid contact with these products: McDonald, Marie A. 1989. Ka Lei: the Leis preparing for use in lei: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, remove other of Hawaii. Honolulu: Ku Pa‘a Inc., and wilting flowers plant material that it was growing Press Pacifica. on; Cuscuta sandwichiana tends to be more woody so harder to work Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. with than Cassytha filiformis Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- Notes on lei making tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. storing a completed lei before wearing: best for which type of lei: neck, head, Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and wrist, ankle, horse wrap lei in dry newspaper, store in S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- plastic container, and refrigerate. no ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop cleaning of plant materials: cold water water Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: soak, drip dry preserving a lei for long-term storage or University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. display: air-dry Wolswinkel, P. 1989. “Cuscuta.” In: CRC Handbook of Flowering. vol. 6, A.H. Halevy (ed.), p. 270–274. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. 18 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kou

other common names: cordia current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Cordia subcordata naturalized in a few dry coastal areas; commonly used in land- family: Boraginaceae (borage fam- scaping ily) natural setting/location: Polynesian introduction, native of Malaysia; found on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i

Growing your own salt tolerance: good wind resistance: good propagation management form: seeds (almost always seed- propagated); cuttings fertilizer needs: heavy preplanting treatment: soak fruits in recommended spacing: water for 48 hours; use medium 10–15' apart minimum rooting hormone on cuttings adaptation to growing in planting depth: sow seeds on surface containers: not recom- to ½" deep; plant base of cutting mended 1–2" into medium pruning: prune to reduce germination time: 20–50 days, ready to size and induce lower plant in the garden in 8 months branches special cultural hints: its preferred production hardwood is highly conditions valued; may hybrid- general soil characteristics: well ize with geiger tree drained (Cordia sebestana), producing intermedi- soil pH: 6.0–7.5 ate fruits, foliage, and light: full sun flowers water: drought tolerant, tolerates suggested companion semi-moist conditions plantings: low-growing plants such as ferns, temperature: 60–90°F kupukupu, ‘ilima, elevation: 10–2000' ‘ākia, naupaka ka- hakai, hinahina, and hala Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 19 kou

Plant characteristics

height: 15–25' spread: 6–20' growth rate: fast growth habit: small, erect, evergreen tree

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: 1–2" in diameter color: apricot-orange shape: funnel-shaped fragrance: none flowers in first year: no flowering period: year-round The lei shown also contains kauna‘oa. time to flowering: 2–3 years inducing and maintaining flowering: flow- ers throughout the period of vegeta- best way to transport from picking area: tive growth References and further brown paper bag or cooler reading avoid contact with these products: pests Borchert, Rolf. 1986. “Cordia.” In: CRC smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, Handbook of Flowering. vol. V, edited by A. common diseases: none serious and wilting flowers H. Halevy, p. 76–83. Boca Raton, Florida: other pests: kou was once very com- CRC Press. mon along the shorelines of Hawai‘i; Notes on lei making Education and Plant Science Departments. it became very rare in the late 1800s 1996. Ten Native Hawaiian Trees for Urban due to the impact of introduced pests best for which type of lei: neck, head, Landscapes. Lāwaʻi, Hawai‘i: National such as the kou leafworm (Ethmia wrist, ankle Tropical Botanical Garden. nigroapicella); isolated trees can be cleaning of plant materials: no water McDonald, Marie A. 1989. Ka Lei: the Leis seriously defoliated by this caterpil- of Hawaii. Honolulu: Ku Pa‘a Inc., and Press lar, especially along windy coastal storing raw lei materials: place in card- Pacifica. areas; seed-attacking weevils can board container and refrigerate at Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and also be a problem 40°F for up to 2 days; no water S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering preparing for use in lei: choose flowers Plants of Hawai’i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum Harvesting that are fully open Special Publication 83. Honolulu: Univer- considerations sity of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum storing a completed lei before wearing: Press. what is harvested: flowers wrap lei in tissue paper, place in cardboard container, and refrigerate; harvesting techniques: pick flowers that no water have fallen to the ground preserving a lei for long-term storage or best time of day to harvest: morning, display: air-dry when flowers have freshly fallen 20 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kukui

other common names: candlenut tree current status in the wild in hawai‘i: (the official state tree of Hawai‘i common in mesic (medium-wet) and flower of Moloka‘i) valleys scientific name: Aleurites moluccana cultivars: many plant types, varying in seed and leaf type and shape and family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge tree size family) natural setting/location: native to Malaysia; Polynesian introduc- tion, widespread on all main Ha- waiian Islands except Kaho‘olawe

Growing your own salt tolerance: good (moderate at high- handling cautions: sap may cause er elevations) irritation wind resistance: moderate propagation

form: seeds; volunteer seedlings can management easily be transplanted fertilizer needs: preplanting treatment: scarify seed heavy (scratch seedcoat with file), soak in recommended spacing: water for 24 hours 25–30' apart planting depth: sow 1" deep in medi- adaptation to growing um in containers: not germination time: 1 month recommended pruning: prune to preferred production reduce size; tree conditions will naturally shed general soil characteristics: well lower branches drained while growing, most likely in re- soil pH: 5.0–7.5 sponse to shading light: semi-shady to full sun special cultural water: keep moist hints: allow plenty of space between temperature: 50–90°F plants; extra main- elevation: 10–2000' tenance required during season when abundant fruits suggested companion plantings: plant drop shade-loving species underneath (palapalai and maile) Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 21 kukui

Plant characteristics

height: 30–60' spread: to 25' growth rate: moderate to fast growth habit: tree with round canopy

flowers

size: clusters to 10" Native and Canoe Plants color: white shape: tubular in clusters fragrance: none flowers in first year: no flowering period: seasonal to year- round time to flowering: 3–4 years Notes on lei making References and further reading foliage best for which type of lei: neck, head, texture: smooth on top, fuzzy un- wrist, ankle, horse Degener, O. 1973. Plants of Hawaii National Parks Illustrative of Plants and Customs derneath, and covered with whitish vase life: 3 days for flowers, 7 days of the South Seas. Ann Arbor, Michigan: down for leaves Braun-Brumfield, Inc. color: pale green to green cleaning of plant materials: cold water Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: shape: variable, broadly pointed to soak Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing. narrow, maple-leaf shaped storing raw lei materials: place leaves Little, Elbert L., Jr., and Roger G. Skolmen. fragrance: none on a damp paper towel and store in a plastic container; pick partially open 1989. Common Forest Trees of Hawai‘i (Na- flowers, soak in water for 5 minutes, tive and Introduced). Agriculture Handbook pests wrap in paper towels, and place in No. 679. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. common diseases: fungal leaf spots and sealed plastic container; refrigerate root-knot nematodes at 40°F, 7–14 days Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State preparing for use in lei: other pests: ants, mealybugs, scales choose small of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Quality leaves and buds Control. storing a completed lei before wearing: Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii, Harvesting Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- considerations soak lei in water, drip dry, wrap in damp newspaper, place in cardboard tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. what is harvested: flowers and leaves or plastic container, and refrigerate Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape with 1–2" stem (seeds also are used preserving a lei for long-term storage or Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: in lei, but this is not covered here) display: air-dry Hawaii Floriculture. harvesting techniques: cut Scott, Susan, and Craig Thomas. 2000. Poisonous Plants of Paradise: First Aid best time of day to harvest: and Medical Treatment for Injuries from early morning Hawai‘i’s Plants. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. best way to transport from picking area: plastic bag or container 22 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kulu‘i­­—

other common names: none current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scattered to sometimes common scientific name: Nototrichium sand- wicense cultivars: there is typically only one cultivar found in nurseries, family: Amaranthaceae (amaranth but over 20 varieties have been family) described natural setting/location: endemic to Hawaiian Islands; found in dry forest and lava fields on all main islands; rare on O‘ahu

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds; cuttings 4–6" long are generally easier and faster than seeds preplanting treatment: treat cutting with medium rooting hormone planting depth: sow seeds on surface or slightly (¼") below; plant base of cutting 1–2" deep in medium (perlite and vermiculite) germination time: 1–3 months cutting rooting time: 2–4 weeks, 2–3 weeks with rooting hormone under mist

preferred production conditions special cultural hints: management additional general soil characteristics: well careful fertilizing will create larger drained, rocky fertilizer needs: medium leaves and longer petioles soil pH: 6.5–7.0 recommended spacing: 5–6' apart suggested companion plantings: ‘ākia, ma‘o light: from shade to sunny location adaptation to growing in containers: yes, (depends on biotype) plastic pots or large planters water: keep dry, tolerates moisture pruning: older plants may become straggly; prune to manage size and temperature: 50–90°F shape and stimulate vigorous new elevation: 10–2500' or more shoots salt tolerance: moderate to poor wind resistance: good Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 23 kulu‘i­­—

Plant characteristics height: 3–15' spread: 5–10' growth rate: moderate growth habit: spreading, multi- stemmed shrub to small tree flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: spikes ½–3" long (to 5"), 1⁄8–¼" diameter color: white shape: spikes with many flowers fragrance: none flowers in first year: no flowering period: summer The lei shown also contains ‘a‘ali‘i, ‘ōhi‘a lehua, pala‘ā, and cup-and-saucer plant. time to flowering: 2 years foliage Notes on lei making References and further reading texture: densely hairy best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, H.L., and F.D. Rauch. 1994. color: silvery to green Native Hawaiian Plants for Landscaping, cleaning of plant materials: cold water shape: elliptic to lance-shaped Conservation, and Reforestation. University soak of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, Research Extension fragrance: none storing raw lei materials: soak in water Series 142. for 5 minutes, drip dry, wrap in dry Hawai‘i Plant Conservation Center. 1992. pests newspaper, and refrigerate in paper Plant Information Sheets on Native Plants of Hawai‘i. Lāwaʻi, Hawai‘i: National Tropical common diseases: box at 40°F for up to 10 days root rot Botanical Garden. preparing for use in lei: clip off the other pests: ants, mealybugs, scales wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a before adding to lei Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Quality Harvesting storing a completed lei before wearing: Control. considerations soak lei in water, drip dry, place in Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and paper box, and refrigerate what is harvested: leaves, flower spikes S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering preserving a lei for long-term storage or Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum harvesting techniques: cut display: air-dry Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. best time of day to harvest: early morning best way to transport from picking area: brown paper bag 24 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kupukupu / sword fern

other common names: ‘ōkupukupu, natural setting/location: tropics; ni‘ani‘au indigenous to Hawaiian Islands in dry to wet forests and lava fields scientific name: Nephrolepis cordi- folia current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common family: Nephrolepidaceae (sword fern family)

Growing your own

propagation form: divisions; spores; tissue culture preplanting treatment: remove old leaves and bulbs from division planting depth: sow spores on surface; with divisions, keep root crown just below soil level

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: moist, well drained; tolerates a range of soil and climatic conditions but generally likes cool, moist, shady locations; can grow in the soil or on lava, tree trunks, or hāpu‘u special cultural hints: remove old soil pH: 5.5–6.5 management fronds light: full sun to partial shade fertilizer needs: light; supplemental N suggested companion plantings: ‘ōhi‘a water: keep moist, tolerates occa- may be beneficial lehua, koa, wiliwili sional drought recommended spacing: 8–12" on center temperature: 40–90°F adaptation to growing in containers: yes, elevation: 10–4000' 5-gallon tubs salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: moderate Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 25 kupukupu / sword fern

Plant characteristics

height: 24" spread: 24–36"; may spread indefi- nitely growth rate: slow to establish, then moderate growth habit: upright fern, spreading groundcover Native and Canoe Plants

foliage texture: stiff color: yellowish green to dark green, glossy shape: pinnately (once) divided and sword-shaped The lei shown also contains kulu‘ī. fragrance: none

pests Notes on lei making References and further common diseases: none known reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, other pests: ants, mealybugs, scales, wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native slugs Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the vase life: 5–7 days Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. cleaning of plant materials: cold water Hoshizaki, Barbara J. 1976. Fern Growers Harvesting soak Manual. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. considerations storing raw lei materials: wrap in Keeble, T., H. Clay, D. Crater, and G. Smith. what is harvested: fronds several sheets of wet newspaper and 1975. Growing Ferns. University of Georgia CES Bulletin 737. harvesting techniques: cut store in plastic container in refrigera- tor at 40°F for up to 14 days Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. best time of day to harvest: Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- preparing for use in lei: early morning clip off the tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas best way to transport from picking area: before adding to lei Valier, Kathy. 1995. Ferns of Hawai‘i. Ho- cloth bag nolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. storing a completed lei before wear- Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and ing: soak lei in water for 5 minutes, S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering shake off excess water, wrap in wet Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum newspaper, place in plastic contain- Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University er, and refrigerate of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: cannot be preserved 26 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ma‘o

other common names: Hawaiian cot- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: un- ton, huluhulu common to rare; most commonly used in landscaping scientific name: Gossypium tomen- tosum family: Malvaceae (mallow family) natural setting/location: endemic to Hawaiian Islands; found in arid, rocky, or clay coastal plains on all main islands except Hawai‘i

Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteristics: form: seeds; cuttings 6–7" long, well drained ¼" diameter soil pH: 6.5–7.5 preplanting treatment: remove seeds from lint; scarify seeds by scratching light: full sun the seedcoat, or put them in water water: keep dry that has been brought to a boil and removed from heat, and soak for 24 temperature: 60–90°F hours; use medium rooting hormone elevation: 10–400' on cuttings salt tolerance: moderate to planting depth: sow seeds ¼–½" deep good in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2” into medium wind resistance: good germination time: 2 weeks or longer management cutting rooting time: 1–2 months fertilizer needs: medium; do not overfertilize with N recommended spacing: 6–10' in rows adaptation to growing in con- tainers: yes, 2- to 5-gallon tubs, but grows better in the ground special cultural hints: avoid water- logged soils pruning: plants may become straggly, therefore prune to manage size and suggested companion plantings: kulu‘ī, shape and stimulate vigorous new ‘ilima, other dry-forest or coastal shoots scrubland plants Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 27 ma‘o

Plant characteristics

height: 2–5' spread: 5–7' growth rate: moderate growth habit: sprawling shrub

flowers

size: 2–3" diameter Native and Canoe Plants color: bright yellow shape: cup-shaped fragrance: none flowers in first year: from cutting, yes; from seed, no flowering period: summer The lei shown also contains kupukupu. time to flowering: 1–2 years (depend- ing on culture) inducing and maintaining flowering: not Notes on lei making References and further known reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, foliage wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the cleaning of plant materials: texture: smooth to slight fuzz cold water Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. soak, except flowers, which need no color: silvery-green to gray-green water Culliney, John L., and Bruce P. Koebele. 1999. A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to shape: deeply lobed leaves are wider storing raw lei materials: refrigerate at Grow and Care for Island Plants. Honolulu: than they are long 40°F for up to 10 days (leaves), 2 University of Hawai‘i Press. fragrance: none days (flowers) Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- pests kled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei; also remove ity Control. common diseases: root rot, leaf spots, calyx (green, leafy base) from bud Rauch, Fred D., Heidi L. Bornhorst, and root-knot nematodes being sewn David L. Hensley. 1997. “Ma‘o (Hawaiian Cotton).” University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, storing a completed lei before wearing : OF-13. rose beetle, whitefly, scales soak leaves, drip dry, and refrigerate in plastic container; place flowers Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- dry in sealed plastic container and ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Harvesting refrigerate considerations Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: preserving a lei for long-term storage or University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop what is harvested: leaves and flowers display: air-dry leaves; flowers cannot Museum Press. harvesting techniques: cut be preserved best time of day to harvest: early morning best way to transport from picking area: cloth bag 28 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei maile

other common names: none natural setting/location: endemic to Hawaiian Islands; found in scientific name: Alyxia oliviformis most vegetation zones on all family: Apocynaceae (dogbane main islands except Ni‘ihau and family) Kaho‘olawe current status in the wild in hawai‘i: occasional to common

Growing your own

handling cautions: milky, sticky sap may cause allergic reaction, stain clothes

propagation form: fresh seeds; hardwood cuttings 3" long with at least one node preplanting treatment: remove seeds from pulp, soak in water for 12 hours or refrigerate in water for 3 days; use medium rooting hormone on cuttings planting depth: sow seeds ¼–½" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium, keeping node beneath surface of medium germination time: 1–3 months cutting rooting time: 8 weeks preferred production management conditions fertilizer needs: medium general soil characteristics: well recommended spacing: drained 2–3' apart adaptation to growing in containers: soil pH: 6.5–7.5 yes, 5-gallon tubs or larger light: shade pruning: not necessary water: keep moist special cultural hints: may be cultivat- temperature: 40–90°F ed on arbor, trellis, or other support; elevation: 10–6000' can grow in lowlands if care is taken to provide shade salt tolerance: poor suggested companion plantings: tree for wind resistance: moderate climbing Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 29 maile

Plant characteristics height: to 15' spread: 6–8' growth rate: moderate growth habit: vine to shrub; extremely variable, depending on variety foliage Native and Canoe Plants texture: glossy color: dark green shape: variable, sword-shaped to oval fragrance: yes pests common diseases: fungal leaf spots, rust The lei shown also contains kukui. spots, root-knot nematodes, damping off (seedlings) other pests: ants, aphids, scales Notes on lei making References and further reading Harvesting best for which type of lei: neck, head, considerations wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the cleaning of plant materials: quick cold what is harvested: Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. leaves with pliable water dip bark of young stems Culliney, John L., and Bruce P. Koebele. storing raw lei materials: soak, drip dry, 1999. A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to harvesting techniques: ‘u‘u—strip the place leaves and skin of young stems Grow and Care for Island Plants. Honolulu: bark from the woody stem in plastic container, refrigerate at University of Hawai‘i Press. best time of day to harvest: 40°F for up to 14 days Hawai‘i Plant Conservation Center. 1992. early morning preparing for use in lei: if hīpu‘u (tying Plant Information Sheets on Native Plants of Hawai‘i. Lāwa‘i, Hawai‘i: National Tropical best way to transport from picking area: together in the knotted pattern), strip Botanical Garden. plastic bag bark and leaves from woody stem close to tip, then tie Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: avoid contact with these products: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, storing a completed lei before wearing: Publishing. and wilting flowers mist lei, shake excess water off, then Tanabe, M. 1979. “Ecology of Maile.” Uni- place in plastic bag or container and versity of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Horticulture. refrigerate Horticulture Digest 117:3–5. preserving a lei for long-term storage or Tanabe, M. 1980. “Effect of Depulping and display: air-dry Growth Regulators on Seed Germination of Alyxia olivaeformis.” HortScience 15(2): 199–200. Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. 30 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ma¯mane

other common names: mamani natural setting/location: endemic to Hawaiian Islands, scattered scientific name: Sophora chryso- in dry shrublands and forests phylla to mesic (medium-wet) forests; family: Fabaceae (pea family) dominant element of vegetation in the high peaks of east Maui and Hawai‘i; not found on Ni‘ihau and Kaho‘olawe; rare on O‘ahu current status in the wild in hawai‘i: rare to common

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds preplanting treatment: scarify seeds by scraping seedcoat or soak in water for 24 hours or until swelling occurs planting depth: sow ¼–½" deep in medium germination time: 2–14 weeks; if no preplanting treatment, can take 1–6 months

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained soil pH: 6.0–6.5 will be grown; numerous varieties light: management full sun and subspecies have been proposed; water: keep dry fertilizer needs: medium because there are island-specific varieties, it would be prudent not to temperature: 40–80°F recommended spacing: 3–5' (shrubs), 10–15' (trees) grow different island stock without elevation: 500–8000' consideration of potential genetic adaptation to growing in containers: not effects (e.g., inadvertently crossing salt tolerance: poor recommended Hawai‘i stock with Maui stock) wind resistance: good pruning: not necessary suggested companion plantings: low- special cultural hints: propagate from growing plants, ground cover seeds collected at elevation similar to the one where plant materials Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 31 ma¯mane

Plant characteristics height: to 45' spread: 3–20' growth rate: slow growth habit: shrub to medium tree, depending on seed source and grow- ing conditions

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: ¼–1" long, 1⁄3–¾" wide color: yellow or pale yellow shape: pea-flower shape, borne in small clusters fragrance: none flowers in first year: no The lei shown also contains yarrow and protea. flowering period: spring, summer time to flowering: 2–5 years inducing and maintaining flowering: not Notes on lei making References and further known reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Culliney, John L., and Bruce P. Koebele. pests 1999. A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to cleaning of plant materials: cold water Grow and Care for Island Plants. Honolulu: common diseases: none soak University of Hawai‘i Press. other pests: ants, spider mites, thrips, storing raw lei materials: place stems Degener, O. 1973. Plants of Hawaii National Chinese rose beetle in water after picking, then place in Parks Illustrative of Plants and Customs sealed plastic container and refriger- of the South Seas. Ann Arbor, Michigan: ate at 40°F for up to 3 days Braun-Brumfield, Inc. Harvesting considerations preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Little, Elbert L., Jr., and Roger G. Skolmen. kled, limp, or poor-quality areas 1989. Common Forest Trees of Hawai‘i what is harvested: flowers with 1–2" before adding to lei (Native and Introduced). Agriculture Hand- of stem book No. 679. Washingtron, D.C.: U.S. storing a completed lei before wearing: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. harvesting techniques: snap optional to soak and drip dry before Scowcroft, Paul G. 1978. “Germination of best time of day to harvest: placing lei on damp newspaper or Sophora Chrysophylla Increased by Presow- early morning paper towel in a sealed plastic con- ing Treatment.” Research Note PSW–327. tainer and refrigerating Berkeley, California: Pacific Southwest best way to transport from picking area: preserving a lei for long-term storage or Forest and Range Experiment Station, plastic container Forest Service, United States Department display: cannot be preserved of Agriculture. Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. 32 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei moa

other common names: whisk fern natural setting/location: indigenous to scientific name: Psilotum nudum Hawaiian Islands, found in mod- erately dry to wet environments in family: Psilotaceae (whisk fern fam- rock crevices, on trees, and on the ily) ground current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common

Growing your own

propagation form: spores or divisions preplanting treatment: sow spores as soon as they are ripe; to tell if they are ripe, place a frond in a paper bag and hang it for 24 hours; the spores that fall to the bottom of the bag are ready for sowing; keep moist or use vermiculite and peat covered with moist paper towel to germinate spores planting depth: surface-sow spores on black cinder or hāpu‘u; keep root crown of division just below soil level spore germination time: 3–6 months

temperature: adaptation to growing in containers: preferred production 60–90°F yes, conditions elevation: 10–4000' pots with (or without) other plants, hāpu‘u trunks, or rocks general soil characteristics: well salt tolerance: poor drained, moist, rocky soil, or on pruning: remove older, dead stems wind resistance: good hāpu‘u trunks special cultural hints: keep divisions in soil pH: 6.0–7.5 moist shade for first 2 weeks; green- management er and more lush in humid areas and light: full sun to shade at specific times of year fertilizer needs: light water: keep moist suggested companion plantings: trees and recommended spacing: 6" apart hāpu‘u Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 33 moa

Plant characteristics height: to 24" spread: clumps up to 24" growth rate: moderate growth habit: clusters of slender, erect, bright green stalks foliage Native and Canoe Plants (no leaves; “naked,” bright green, branching stems) texture: coarse color: green to yellow-orange shape: thin branches fragrance: none pests The top lei shown also contains bougainvillea, palapalai, and dusty miller. common diseases: none known The bottom lei shown also contains palapalai. other pests: none known

Harvesting storing raw lei materials: soak stems in water for 5 minutes, drip dry, wrap References and further considerations reading in damp paper towel and store in a what is harvested: branches (stems) sealed plastic container, refrigerate Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. at 40°F for up to 30 days harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- preparing for use in lei: clip off the tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. best time of day to harvest: wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas Valier, Kathy. 1995. Ferns of Hawai‘i. early morning before adding to lei Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. best way to transport from picking area: storing a completed lei before wearing: plastic bag soak lei in water for 5 minutes, drip dry, wrap in damp paper towel, store Notes on lei making in a sealed plastic container, and refrigerate best for which type of lei: neck, head, preserving a lei for long-term storage or wrist, ankle, horse display: air-dry vase life: 7–14 days cleaning of plant materials: cold water soak 34 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘o¯hi‘a lehua

other common names: lehua, ‘ōhi‘a current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common in the rainforest scientific name: Metrosideros poly- morpha cultivars: many plant forms (poly- morphic); also, other species can family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family) be used, such as M. tremaloides, natural setting/location: endemic M. macropus, M. rugosa to Hawaiian Islands in a wide range of habitats: lava fields, dry to wet forests, and bogs; found on all islands except Ni‘ihau and Kaho‘olawe

Growing your own water: keep moist but well drained; do not allow to completely dry out propagation temperature: 40–90°F form: seeds, cuttings, or air layering elevation: (varies in ability to be propagated by 100–7000' cuttings; some types are harder to salt tolerance: poor (slight root than others) tolerance in coastal variet- preplanting treatment: seeds will keep ies); plant its relative if refrigerated, but fresh ones are pohutukawa instead in best; no seed treatment needed; use low-elevation saline condi- medium or strong rooting hormone tions on cuttings wind resistance: good planting depth: scatter seeds on surface and cover with ¼" of medium; insert management base of cutting 1–2" into medium fertilizer needs: medium germination time: 1 week to 3 months recommended spacing: depends cutting rooting time: 2–4 months, or on type, generally 5' apart 4–6 weeks with rooting hormone un- or more der mist); air layers take 3–7 months adaptation to growing in con- to root, but using 3% IBA on girdled tainers: yes, 2- to 3-gallon area wrapped with sphagnum moss plastic tubs will produce roots in about 2 months pruning: prune to reduce size, induce lower branches, and preferred production stimulate vigorous new conditions shoots; prune after flowering rose beetle; plants grown from seed general soil characteristics: vary in leaf size and shape, flower well special cultural hints: young seedlings color, etc.; some growers plant seeds drained are very sensitive to transplanting; on hāpu‘u log soil pH: 6.5–7.5 (slightly acid) keep root disturbance to a minimum; best germination is in 50% shade; suggested companion plantings: light: sunny location plant in fields when 1½–2 years old; low-growing plants such as maile, fuzzy-leaf variety resists Chinese palapalai, ferns Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 35 ‘o¯hi‘a lehua

Plant characteristics height: 3–80' spread: 10–30' growth rate: slow growth habit: low shrub to tall tree flowers size: 1–2" clusters Native and Canoe Plants color: red, yellow, salmon, pink shape: pom-pom fragrance: none flowers in first year: no The lei shown also contains ‘a‘ali‘i, moa, pūkiawe, and wāwae‘iole. flowering period: year-round time to flowering: takes 4–5 years to best time of day to harvest: wet newspaper, place in paper box, flower from seed; flowers faster early morning and refrigerate from air layer and cutting best way to transport from picking area: preserving a lei for long-term storage or paper or cloth bag display: air-dry foliage texture: extremely variable, from Notes on lei making smooth and waxy to fuzzy References and further reading color: reddish-gray to shiny green, best for which type of lei: neck, head, silvery underneath, dull green to wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the bright green vase life: 2 days for flowers; 14 days Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. shape: simple, oval to ovate for leaves and seed pods Degener, O. 1973. Plants of Hawaii National fragrance: none cleaning of plant materials: cold water Parks Illustrative of Plants and Customs of soak the South Seas. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Braun- Brumfield, Inc. pests storing raw lei materials: soak flowers for 5 minutes and place face up in Little, Elbert L., Jr., and Roger G. Skolmen. common diseases: root rot, collar rot, 1989. Common Forest Trees of Hawai‘i (Na- paper box or sealed plastic contain- tive and Introduced). Agriculture Handbook leafspots, nematodes, damping off er; refrigerate at 40°F for up to 7 (seedling), rapid ‘ōhi‘a death No. 679. Washingtron, D.C.: U.S. Depart- days; green liko can be placed in ment of Agriculture, Forest Service. other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, plastic container or paper box; red Rauch, Fred D., and David Hensley. 1997. scales, twig borer, two-spotted leaf- liko needs to be in paper box; seed “Ohia lehua.” University of Hawai‘i, hopper, ambrosia beetle pod can be placed in plastic or paper CTAHR, OF-11. container; refrigerate at 40°F for up to 14 days Rauch, F.D., K. Ninno and J. McEwen. 1997. Harvesting “Vegetative Propagation of Yellow Ohia considerations preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Lehua.” University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Horticulture Research Note HRN-3. . Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and (liko), flowers, buds, seed pods storing a completed lei before wearing: S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- harvesting techniques: cut soak lei in water, drip dry, wrap in ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. 36 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pa‘iniu

other common names: astelia, kaluaha wet forests and bogs on all main islands except Ni‘ihau and Ka- scientific name: Astelia menziesiana ho‘olawe; epiphytic or terrestrial family: Liliaceae (lily family) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: natural setting/location: endemic common (rare on O‘ahu) to Hawaiian Islands in moist to

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds, division preplanting treatment: remove seeds from pulp, put in water that has been brought to a boil and removed from heat, let soak for about 24 hours planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; for divisions, keep root crown just below soil level germination time: 3–5 weeks

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained, potting soil, orchid mix, or water: keep moist adaptation to growing in containers: yes, hāpu‘u 5-gallon tubs temperature: 40–50°F soil pH: epiphytic; terrestrial forms pruning: not necessary grow in bog conditions; preferred elevation: 2000–5000' soil pH is not known, but likely special cultural hints: treat like an salt tolerance: poor acidic epiphytic orchid or bromeliad; male wind resistance: poor and female flowers occur on separate light: part to full shade plants suggested companion plantings: management hāpu‘u fertilizer needs: light recommended spacing: 2–3' apart Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 37 pa‘iniu

Plant characteristics

height: to 36" spread: to 36" growth rate: slow to moderate growth habit: herbaceous, succulent

foliage

texture:

waxy on top, sometimes Native and Canoe Plants fuzzy underneath color: green on top, sometimes white, golden, or silver underneath shape: long and tapered fragrance: none

pests The lei shown also contains pūkiawe, ‘ōhi‘a lehua, wāwae‘iole, and palapalai. common diseases: none known other pests: mealybugs, spider mites Notes on lei making References and further reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, Harvesting wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1998. “Hawai‘i Gardens: considerations Pa‘iniu Grows Nicely in Home Gardens.” vase life: 7 days The Honolulu Advertiser, Sunday, 31 May what is harvested: leaves cleaning of plant materials: cold water 1998, D3. harvesting techniques: cut the bottom soak Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological leaves and leave the top ones storing raw lei materials: refrigerate at Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National best time of day to harvest: 40°F for up to 14 days or longer Park. Honolulu: Hawaii Natural History early morning preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Association and University of Hawai‘i Press. best way to transport from picking area: kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and paper or cloth bag before adding to lei S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum storing a completed lei before wearing: Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University soak lei in water for 5 minutes, drip of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. dry, wrap in damp newspaper, place in any type of container, and refrig- erate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: air-dry 38 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pala‘a¯

other common names: lace fern, palae, natural setting/location: indigenous palapala‘ā to tropics, subtropics, and Hawai- scientific name: Sphenomeris chin- ian Islands, where it is likely to be ensis found in road cuts and clearings on all main islands family: Lindsaeaceae (lace fern current status in the wild in hawai‘i: family) common

Growing your own

propagation form: division preplanting treatment: remove old leaves planting depth: keep root crown just below soil level

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained soil pH: 6.0–7.0 light: can be grown in sun, but prefers shady areas water: keep moist, tolerates some pruning: remove dead fronds drought management special cultural hints: plant close temperature: 60–90°F fertilizer needs: light together to keep weeds out elevation: 10–4000' recommended spacing: 1–2' apart suggested companion plantings: other salt tolerance: poor adaptation to growing in containers: forest plants that provide shade yes, 5-gallon tubs wind resistance: poor Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 39 pala‘a¯

Plant characteristics height: 3–4' spread: 3–4' growth rate: fast growth habit: fern, groundcover foliage texture:

smooth Native and Canoe Plants color: green shape: pointed lacy fronds fragrance: none pests common diseases: none known other pests: caterpillars, scales The lei shown also contains ‘ōhi‘a lehua, wāwae‘iole, and kulu‘ī. Harvesting considerations Notes on lei making References and further what is harvested: mature fronds (fully reading expanded) best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the vase life: 5 days best time of day to harvest: Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. early morning cleaning of plant materials: cold water Hoshizaki, Barbara J. 1976. Fern Growers soak Manual. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. best way to transport from picking area: paper or cloth bag storing raw lei materials: place in Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. sealed plastic container and refriger- Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- ate at 40°F for up to 30 days tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Valier, Kathy. 1995. Ferns of Hawai‘i. kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. before adding to lei storing a completed lei before wearing: soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp newspaper, place in sealed plastic container, and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: cannot be preserved

40 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei palapalai

other common names: palai natural setting/location: indigenous scientific name: Microlepia strigosa to the Hawaiian Islands in the understory of rain forests on all family: Dennstaedtiaceae (dickso- main islands; also native to India, niaceae family) Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, and South Pacific islands current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common

Growing your own

propagation form: division of clumps preplanting treatment: remove old foliage planting depth: keep root crown just below soil level

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained soil pH: 6.5–7.5 light: can be grown in sun, but pre- fers shady areas water: keep moist special cultural hints management : plant close temperature: 40–90°F together to keep weeds out; fronds fertilizer needs: light elevation: 750–6000' resemble those of the leatherleaf fern recommended spacing: 2–4' apart suggested companion plantings: salt tolerance: poor other adaptation to growing in containers: forest plants that provide shade wind resistance: moderate yes, 5-gallon tubs pruning: remove dead fronds Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 41 palapalai

Plant characteristics

height: 2–5' spread: fronds grow to almost 5' long growth rate: moderate to fast growth habit: clumping, trunkless fern

foliage

texture: delicate hairy fronds Native and Canoe Plants color: light green to dark green, depending on maturity shape: pointed, lacy fronds fragrance: none

pests common diseases: none known other pests: none known Notes on lei making References and further Harvesting reading considerations best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native what is harvested: fronds Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the vase life: 5 days Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull cleaning of plant materials: the mature fronds cold water Hoshizaki, Barbara J. 1976. Fern Growers soak Manual. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. best time of day to harvest: storing raw lei materials: Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a early morning soak for 5 minutes, drip dry; either place whole Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State best way to transport from picking area: fronds between paper in sealed plas- of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- paper or cloth bag tic container or break fronds down, ity Control. wrap in newspaper, then place in Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. sealed plastic container and refriger- Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- ate at 40°F for up to 30 days tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. before adding to lei Honolulu: Hawaii Natural History Associa- storing a completed lei before wearing: tion and University of Hawai‘i Press. soak lei, drip dry, store in sheets of Valier, Kathy. 1995. Ferns of Hawai‘i. Hono- damp newspaper, place in sealed lulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. container, and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: cannot be preserved 42 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei po¯hinahina

other common names: beach vitex, natural setting/location: indigenous kolokolo kahakai throughout the Pacific including the Hawaiian Islands, where it scientific name: Vitex rotundifolia occurs on sandy beaches, rocky family: Verbenaceae (verbena shores, and dunes on all islands family) except Kaho‘olawe. current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common

Growing your own elevation: 10–1000' salt tolerance: good propagation wind resistance: good form: seeds, cuttings (matured termi- nal or upper piece of leafy, matured management stem) fertilizer needs: preplanting treatment: scarify seeds by light scraping the seedcoat; use medium recommended spacing: rooting hormone on cutting 2–3' in row, 4–6' planting depth: sow seeds ½" deep in between rows medium; insert base of cutting 1–2” adaptation to growing in into medium containers: yes, 8" pots germination time: 15–30 days if scari- to 5-gallon tubs, but fied, 36 months if not scarified planting in the ground is better cutting rooting time: 3–4 weeks pruning: prune to man- age size and shape and preferred production to stimulate compact- conditions ness general soil characteristics: special cultural hints: well drained, rocky, sandy plant close together soil pH: 6.0–7.0 to keep weeds out; thins out during winter light: sunny location months; can get leggy water: keep dry with too much water and fertilizer and not temperature: 60–90°F enough sun suggested companion plantings: dry-area plants or coastal plants (ma‘o, ‘ūlei, hinahina) Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 43 po¯hinahina

Plant characteristics

height: 1–4' spread: 3–6' growth rate: fast growth habit: low-growing, mat-form- ing shrub

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: inflorescence 1–3" long, flower less than ½" color: bluish-purple shape: funnel-shaped flowers in spikes fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes, from cuttings flowering period: year-round The lei shown also contains bougainvillea and palapalai. time to flowering: 1–2 years from seed, faster from cuttings Harvesting storing a completed lei before wearing: inducing and maintaining flowering: flow- considerations soak lei, drip dry, place in sealed ering can occur year-round without plastic container and refrigerate what is harvested: branch tips with or special treatment if plant is not preserving a lei for long-term storage or without fruit and flowers under stress display: air-dry (fruit and leaves only) harvesting techniques: cut stems foliage best time of day to harvest: texture: early morning References and further downy, fuzzy reading color: pale green best way to transport from picking area: paper or cloth bag Bornhorst, H.L. and F.D. Rauch. 1994. shape: oval Native Hawaiian Plants for Landscaping, Conservation, and Reforestation. University fragrance: spicy when crushed Notes on lei making of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, Research Extension Series 142. pests best for which type of lei: neck, head, Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a wrist, ankle, horse common diseases: powdery mildew, leaf Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State spots cleaning of plant materials: cold water of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- soak ity Control. other pests: ants, mealybugs, scales, Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and storing raw lei materials: whiteflies store in sealed S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering plastic container and refrigerate at Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum 40°F for up to 14 days Special Publication 83. Honolulu: Univer- preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- sity of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Press. before adding to lei 44 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pu¯kiawe

other common names: maiele natural setting/location: indigenous to Hawaiian Islands; scattered scientific name: Styphelia tameia- dominant vegetation in wind- meiae swept coasts, deserts, rain forests, family: Epacridaceae (epacris frost-prone mountain slopes, and family) bogs on all main islands except Ni‘ihau and Kaho‘olawe. current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scattered to common

Growing your own

propagation form: seeds; air layering pretreatment: soak seeds in vinegar for several hours followed by hot- water (120°F) soak for several hours planting depth: on surface of medium germination time: 1–2 months air layering rooting time: 6–12 months

preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained soil pH: 6.5–7.5 light: sunny location management special cultural hints: size, shape, water: keep moist and growing conditions depend on fertilizer needs: light propagation source; water well in temperature: 60–75°F recommended spacing: 3–4' apart good drainage conditions elevation: 50–10,000' adaptation to growing in containers: yes, salt tolerance: 1-gallon tub or larger moderate (coastal types) pruning: prune to maintain size and wind resistance: good shape Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 45 pu¯kiawe

Plant characteristics

height: 2–12' spread: 3–6' growth rate: slow to moderate growth habit: erect, spreading shrub

fruit (flowers inconspicuous)

1 size: fruit ⁄8–¼" wide Native and Canoe Plants color: dark red to pink, sometimes white shape: round fragrance: none

foliage texture: leathery color: green The lei shown also contains crown flower and dusty miller. shape: small and variable fragrance: none Notes on lei making storing a completed lei before wearing: soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp pests best for which type of lei: neck, head, newspaper, place in paper or plastic wrist, ankle, horse container and refrigerate common diseases: none known vase life: 5–7 days preserving a lei for long-term storage or other pests: none known display: air-dry cleaning of plant materials: cold water soak Harvesting storing raw lei materials: References and further considerations soak in water for 5 minutes, wrap in damp news- reading what is harvested: paper, then place in plastic container branch tips, with or Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 14 without fruit Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological days harvesting techniques: snap or cut tips Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Park. Honolulu: Hawaii Natural History best time of day to harvest: kled, limp, or poor-quality areas be- Association and University of Hawai‘i Press. early morning fore adding to lei; make sure leaves Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and best way to transport from picking area: are removed from lower stem so that S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- paper or cloth bag when you wili (twist) it, it doesn’t ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop jab you or the wearer Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. 46 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ti

other common names: kī, la‘i current status in the wild in hawai‘i: common scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa cultivars: tremendous variation in family: Agavaceae (agave family) color and form, such as variegated, natural setting/location: Polynesian red, orange, pink, yellow introduction; extensively cultivated and common in mesic (medium- wet) valleys and mesic forests on all Hawaiian Islands except Kaho‘olawe

Growing your own

propagation form: cuttings preferred (large stem pieces may be used); air layering; seeds (growing from seeds results in great variation in plant size and leaf color and shape) preplanting treatment: use medium rooting hormone on cuttings, or none planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 3–5" into medium germination time: 2–6 weeks cutting rooting time: 2–4 weeks

preferred production salt tolerance: poor where harvesting becomes difficult; conditions leave 3 new shoots to grow, and wind resistance: requires windbreaks in general soil characteristics: remove all smaller shoots will grow windy areas to prevent shredding in just about any soil as long as pH special cultural hints: plants can be and salt levels are not too high. management cut back and 2 or 3 new shoots per soil pH: 5.5–6.5 stem allowed to grow; best grown fertilizer needs: heavy in drier climates with irrigation light: green ti can be grown in full to avoid fungus and bacterial leaf recommended spacing: 18–24" in rows, sun to partial shade spots; remove inflorescences as they 18–24" between rows, with a larger emerge to direct energy toward new water: irrigation required in dry areas 36" aisle every 3–6 rows leaves; the common green ti rarely temperature: 60–90°F adaptation to growing in containers: yes, if ever produces seeds; leaves can be elevation: 10–2000' large containers harvested in first year pruning: prune to about 1' height suggested companion plantings: tall plants when main stem grows to point for shade and windbreak Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 47 ti

Plant characteristics

height: to 20' spread: 3–4' growth rate: moderately fast growth habit: upright shrub

foliage

texture: smooth and glossy Native and Canoe Plants color: green most common; red, pink, and orange variants occur shape: long and narrow fragrance: none

pests

common diseases: Cercospora fungus, The lei shown also contains Geraldton waxflower. Pseudomonas bacteria, leaf spots other pests: caterpillars, mites, pigs, rodents, rose beetles, scales, slugs, Notes on lei making References and further snails, stem borers, thrips, two-spot- reading ted leafhopper best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Brown, Frank. 1994. The Cordyline: King of Tropical Foliage. Valkaria, Florida: Valkaria vase life: Harvesting 14 days Tropical Garden. considerations cleaning of plant materials: hand-wash Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: under cold, running water; soapy Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual what is harvested: leaves water may be needed Publishing. harvesting techniques: pull or snap leaf storing raw lei materials: fresh leaves Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape off stem; at least 3 leaves should be can be stored in a plastic container Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: left on plant to produce energy for with water and refrigerated at 40°F Hawaii Floriculture. further growth for 30 days or frozen for much Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and best time of day to harvest: longer S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop Museum early morning preparing for use in lei: if tradition- Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University best way to transport from picking area: al ti lei, then clean, tie, and strip of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press. large plastic bag leaves; if done in wili (twisting) or hilo (braiding) pattern, you need Warren, William. 1997. Tropical Plants for Home and Garden. London: Thames and to freeze, boil, microwave, iron, or Hudson. pūlehu the leaf to soften it Watson D.P., and W.J. Yee. 1973. Hawai‘i storing a completed lei before wearing: Ti. University of Hawai‘i, Cooperative Ex- if traditional ti lei, place in sealed tension Service Circular 481. container and refrigerate; if wili or

hilo pattern, wipe down with cloth, wrap in dry newspaper, and store in freezer preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: air-dry or freeze 48 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘u¯lei

other common names: u‘ūlei natural setting/location: indigenous to Hawaiian Islands in a wide scientific name: Osteomeles anthyl- variety of habitats such as coastal lidifolia cliffs, lava fields, dry shrub- family: Rosaceae (rose family) lands, and semi-dry forests on all main islands except Ni‘ihau and Kaho‘olawe; also occurs in the Cook Islands and Tonga current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scattered to locally common

Growing your own

propagation form: cuttings 3–6" long; seeds (plants from seed will have varying amounts of flowers and fruits) preplanting treatment: soak seeds in water for 48 hours; use strong root- ing hormone on cuttings; mist is helpful planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium germination time: 1–3 months cutting rooting time: 1–3 months

preferred production conditions salt tolerance: moderate (coastal pruning: prune to reduce size, main- general soil characteristics: varieties) tain shape, and to keep full and bushy; avoid cutting old growth well drained wind resistance: good soil pH: 5.5–6.5 special cultural hints: provide room to spread; seed-produced plants result light: management sunny location in variable growth forms water: keep moist; tolerates drought fertilizer needs: light once established recommended spacing: 3–5' apart in rows temperature: 40–90°F adaptation to growing in containers: elevation: 10–7600' 2-gallon tubs or larger, but planting in the ground is better Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 49 ‘u¯lei

Plant characteristics

height: 1–15' spread: 5–15' growth rate: moderate growth habit: prostrate to slightly upright, spreading shrub

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: ½" color: white shape: round fragrance: yes flowers in first year: no flowering period: winter through spring time to flowering: typically 1 year The lei shown also contains ‘ākia, ‘a‘ali‘i, pūkiawe, and ‘ōhi‘a lehua. from cutting and 2–3 years from seed storing a completed lei before wearing: inducing and maintaining flowering: can Harvesting be maintained under good light considerations soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp conditions; under shaded conditions, newspaper, place in plastic container what is harvested: fruit, flowers, leaves flowering is sparse to non-existent; and refrigerate prune for new growth on which harvesting techniques: break or cut preserving a lei for long-term storage or flowers are borne display: air-dry leaves only best time of day to harvest: early morning foliage best way to transport from picking area: References and further texture: leathery leaflets, shiny, paper or cloth bag reading smooth, fine Bornhorst, Heidi L. 1996. Growing Native color: green Notes on lei making Hawaiian Plants. A How-to Guide for the shape: divided into leaflets Gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. best for which type of lei: neck, head, Hawai‘i Plant Conservation Center. 1992. fragrance: none wrist, ankle, horse Plant Information Sheets on Native Plants of cleaning of plant materials: cold water Hawai‘i. Lāwa‘i, Hawai‘i: National Tropical pests soak Botanical Garden. common diseases Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a : none known storing raw lei materials: soak in water Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, for 5 minutes, wrap flowers in paper of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- scales, thrips, twig borer towel and place in plastic container, ity Control. wrap leaves and fruit in damp news- paper and place in plastic container, Wagner, Warren L., Darrel R. Herbst, and Manual of the Flowering refrigerate at 40°F for up to 14 days S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Plants of Hawai’i. 2 vols, Bishop Museum preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Special Publication 83. Honolulu: Univer- kled, limp, or poor-quality areas sity of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum before adding to lei Press. 50 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei wiliwili

other common names: coral tree, Ha- natural setting/location: endemic to waiian erythrina the Hawaiian Islands; found in arid lowlands and dry forests on scientific name: Erythrina sandwi- leeward slopes of all main islands censis including Kaho‘olawe and Ni‘ihau family: Fabaceae (pea family) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: formerly common; now population almost completely wiped out due to an invasive pest, the Erythrina gall wasp

Growing your own preferred production handling cautions: thorns on branches conditions and trunks, but sometimes thornless; general soil characteristics: seeds reported to be poisonous well drained

propagation soil pH: 5.5–7.5 form: seeds; cuttings 2–4' long light: sunny location preplanting treatment: put seeds in water: drought tolerant; water that has been brought to a boil deep and infrequent and removed from heat, let soak for watering 24 hours, discard floating, nonviable temperature: 50–90°F seeds; or, scarify seeds by scratching seedcoat elevation: 10–1800' planting depth: sow seeds ½" deep in salt tolerance: good well-drained medium, place in full wind resistance: moderate sun; amount of cutting inserted into medium varies with its length management germination time: 7 days fertilizer needs: medium cutting rooting time: 1 month recommended spacing: 20' apart adaptation to growing in con- tainers: not recommended pruning: prune when young to manage and keep dry; leaf drop usually coin- size and shape and direct growth cides with flowering special cultural hints: give plenty of suggested companion plantings: room, keep out of high-traffic areas, low-growing, drought-tolerant plants Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 51 wiliwili

Plant characteristics height: 18–50' spread: 25–30' growth rate: generally fast; rapid in winter, slow in summer after leaves fall growth habit: tree

flowers Native and Canoe Plants size: 1½" color: red, orange, white, pale green, pale yellow shape: beak-like, in clusters fragrance: none flowers in first year: no The lei shown also contains globe amaranth, ‘ōhi‘a lehua, and bougainvillea. flowering period: summer, right after leaves fall time to flowering: more than 5 years Harvesting References and further from seeds; around 4 years from considerations reading cuttings what is harvested: flowers with 1–2" Bornhorst, H.L., and F.D. Rauch. 1994. inducing and maintaining flowering: stem (seeds are not discussed here) Native Hawaiian Plants for Landscaping, normally only flowers during the Conservation, and Reforestation. University harvesting techniques: summer cut or snap of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, Research Extension best time of day to harvest: Series 142. foliage early morning Culliney, John L., and Bruce P. Koebele. 1999. A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to texture: best way to transport from picking area: slightly hairy on underside Grow and Care for Island Plants. Honolulu: paper bag color: green University of Hawai‘i Press. Nagata, Kenneth M. 1992. How to Plant a shape: compound leaf with large, Notes on lei making Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: State triangular leaflets of Hawai‘i, Office of Environmental Qual- fragrance: none best for which type of lei: neck ity Control. cleaning of plant materials: no water Rauch, Fred D., and David Hensley. 1997. pests “Wiliwili.” University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, storing raw lei materials: place in paper OF-10. . 3 days; no water other pests: ants, aphids, Chinese rose Stone, Charles P., and Linda W. Pratt. 1994. beetle, Erythrina gall wasp, leaf-eat- preparing for use in lei: clip stem off, Hawai‘i’s Plants and Animals: Biological ing caterpillars, mealybugs, root- then sew Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National knot nematodes, spider mites, scales, Park. Honolulu: Hawaii Natural History As- storing a completed lei before wearing: seed borers, stinkbug, twig borer sociation and University of Hawai‘i Press. store lei in paper box without refrig- Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst, and eration or water S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flow- preserving a lei for long-term storage or ering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Bishop display: cannot be preserved Museum Special Publication 83. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press.