In the Garden
Hinahina, ‘ahinahina
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
'Ahinahina has attractive unusual rounded leaves with silvery tones. The plant is available at the Home Depot and Hui Ku Moali Ola nursery for about $6.
Latin name: Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata
Hinahina; Ahinahina; Hinahina EwaThe spikes and new leaves of this plant are used in wili (twisted) and haku (braided) lei.
Description: Although the Hawaiian name for this plant is not historically documented, it is often referred to today as hinahina, ahinahina or hinahina ewa. The names are primarily related to the plant's silvery color.
This hinahina is very silvery, with soft rounded leaves and can grow to a height of about 6 feet tall. Its flowers (called spikelets) are arranged on soft spikes that protrude 6 to 10 inches above the plant. They are very eye-catching, unique and attractive.
Distribution: This plant is extremely rare. On Oahu it is restricted to the coastal coral plains of Kalaeloa in Ewa, hence the name hinahina ewa, and the mid-elevation dry forest of Makaha Valley.
Its range was probably much larger in the past, but the habitat in which it evolved, the native dry forest, has been greatly impacted over the last 200 years. Today this endemic plant, like many of our other native plants, is recognized as an endangered species.
Landscape use and care: Hinahina loves full sun. All the plants called hinahina are silvery in appearance. This is an evolutionary adaptation to living in extremely sunny or hot areas. The silvery color is usually derived from tiny hairs that cover the surface of the leaves to reflect intense sunlight and keep the plant cool.
When watering the plant, it's best to soak the ground and then let it dry out for a couple of days before watering again. Water less as the plant becomes established.
This Hinahina can also be pruned or chopped back if it gets larger than desired, but it will form a naturally round shape on its own.
Plant it near dark backdrops or lava rocks to really show off its silvery appearance.
Also, make sure that there aren't a profusion of ants in the area as they may bring mealy bugs that attack this plant. If you notice them on your plant, simply cut the affected area and control the ants using granular pesticide.
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