#plants
Found 12 words matching this tag.
ʻulu
(OO-loo)
Breadfruit; a large, starchy fruit native to the Pacific islands, traditionally a staple crop in Hawaii and often prepared like potatoes.
tī
(TEE)
A culturally significant plant (Cordyline fruticosa) with long green or red leaves, widely used in Hawaii for cooking (laulau), making leis, hula skirts, and spiritual protection or good luck.
taro
(TAH-roh)
A tropical plant cultivated primarily for its edible corms, which are a traditional staple food in Hawaii used to make poi, as well as for its large, elephant ear-shaped leaves used in cooking.
palapalai
(pah-lah-pah-LIE)
An indigenous Hawaiian fern (Microlepia strigosa) known for its delicate, lacy fronds, highly valued and commonly used in traditional lei making and hula adornments.
pakalōlō
(pah-kah-LOH-LOH)
Marijuana, cannabis; literally translated from Hawaiian as 'crazy tobacco'.
maile
(MY-leh)
A native Hawaiian vine with shiny, fragrant leaves, highly prized for making traditional open-ended lei used in weddings, graduations, and special ceremonies.
kukui
(koo-KOO-ee)
The Hawaiian candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccanus), its nuts, or the lei made from its polished shells.
kalo
(KAH-loh)
Taro; a starchy root vegetable that is a staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet and the primary ingredient in poi.
hau
(HOW)
A sprawling coastal tree or bush in the hibiscus family known for its dense, tangled branches. Historically used by Hawaiians to make cordage, outrigger canoe floats, and medicine.