HO'OMAU NATIVE PLANTS TREASURE HUNT

Pōhinahina is a tough coastal plant that is rather easy to grow inland, and can provide excellent erosion control in any landscape. It is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant. It plays a vital role in stabilizing coastal ecosystems and has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil, enriching the nutrient content. It has leaves that are aromatic with a sage-like spicy odor when crushed. Its flowers are blue violet and bell-shaped.

ʻIhi is a Hawaiian coastal plant that contributes to the stabilization of dunes and coastal ecosystems. Its extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, anchoring the plant in sandy substrates and providing stability to the shoreline. It has has bright lemony yellow flowers. Each flower opens for one day. If there are several flowers on each stalk, flowering can last for several days.

Hinahina thrives in the harsh environment along the coast nearest the ocean where there is usually intense sunlight, strong winds, and very little water in both rocky and sandy terrains. It is the official flower for the island of Kahoʻolawe and has one of the nicest smelling flowers.

Kaunaʻoa requires a host plant for survival. Often times it will be seen along the shorelines paired with the pōhuehue plant. It draws its sustenance from the host plants stems. You may recognize the tiny white flowers of the kaunaʻoa. The tangled yellow/orange strands can be situated into lei (garland) and can be used medicinally along with other plants to treat chest colds, gastrointestinal issues and prepared as a tea for women before and after childbirth.

This is a palm tree that was used widely in thatching roofs for traditional Hawaiian hale (house). The leaves are round with pointy tips. The seeds were considered a delicacy and could be consumed, the seed was cracked open and the white meat would be eaten. 

This indigenous succulent is often mixed up with its relative that has green stems. To identify the native sea purslane called ‘ākulikuli look for the red/ pinkish stems. It is the most salt tolerant of all coastal plants and is a great ground cover for beach areas. It is tolerant of waterlogged soil, drought, brackish water, salt spray and heat which makes this coastal wetlands an ideal environment for ʻākulikuli. The leaves can be eaten raw and has a slightly salty taste. It is a favorite among native wetland birds. The roots helps to filter murky waters and clear areas of toxins.

This plant grows as a shrub and is found along coastlines. It helps by creating and maintaining sand dunes which are essential in protection from coastal erosion from sea rise, waves and storms. Its natural environment hints that this plant thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, heat and salty air. Once it is established, it requires very little water. Its small white flower appears as a halve and is a significant part of its recognition. The flowers and fruit can be used in lei. The flowers, fruit and leaves are useful in defogging modern dive masks. The root bark was used medicinally to treat cuts, skin diseases and wounds.