In the Garden
Michael Miyashiro
Hawaiian fish poisoning plant
‘Auhuhu
LATIN NAME
Tephrosia purpurea
Description: These small shrubs grow 3 to 4 feet tall, with small compound leaves and inch-wide purplish-white flowers that emerge above the stem and line a stalk, eventually turning into small, pealike seed pods. These plants are short-lived, lasting only about one or two years. However, they do set many seeds which normally germinate before the original plant dies, thus replacing itself with four or five plants.
Distribution: This plant is found internationally, from Africa, Asia and Australia to other parts of the Pacific. In Hawaii, 'auhuhu is a Polynesian introduction that is found on all the main islands in dry locations such as lava fields, rocky slopes, dry ridges and coastal areas.
Cultural uses: As the title above indicates, 'auhuhu is used to intoxicate fish in closed bodies of water (like tidal pools) to make them easier to catch. The plant contains a chemical called tephrosin (a name derived from the plant's botanical name) which drugs certain cold-blooded animals. Fishermen would pound various parts of the 'auhuhu and mix it with chum for the fish to eat or place it in the holes of a reef. The drugged fish would then be easier to scoop up or spear.
Landscape use: 'Auhuhu does best in full sun, and minimal watering is needed once the plant is established, making it a perfect plant for xeriscaping. Its short stature and cute flowers are a bonus. Few pests are known to bother this plant, making it that much better for those short on gardening know-how.
As I said earlier, this plant reproduces fairly quickly, so don't be surprised to find several plants popping up around your original plant. But don't pull them out unless you're going fishing! Just make sure to only catch what you can eat and save the rest for stocking the future so everyone can eat.
Details: Other Hawaiian names for this plant are: ahuhu, 'auhola and hola. Also, the words 'auhuhu pa'ina, which translate as "a time so dry that even the 'auhuhu plant became brittle," is another phrase for the summer months known as makali'i.
Gardening Calendar
