In the Garden
Rick Barboza
'Ala'alawainui
Latin name: Peperomia blanda
The ashes of the 'Ala'alawainui plant were used to make a gray dye for coloring kapa.Description: A low growing succulent, up to 10 inches tall with fleshy, light green stems, dark green leaves and tiny insignificant flowers that are on short soft spikes. Sometimes reddish streaks are found on the underside of the leaves.
Distribution: This indigenous plant is found in numerous types of Hawaii environments from dry rocky areas in full sun to shadier mesic forests. In many cases, they can be found growing on mossy rocks under larger trees. Today they exist naturally on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Kahoolawe.
Landscape use and care: This plant looks great as an accent around large landscape stones or as a bedding plant. Full sun is OK but partial shade is better. In full sun, 'Ala'alawainui will require a little more water than if in partial shade. When used as a bedding plant, space them approximately one foot apart since this plant doesn't spread too far. Few pests are known to bother this plant, but I have seen slugs munch on the young off-shoots.
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