Ground cover good
for hot and dry spots

HUI KU MAOLI OLA

Description: Prostrate strand plants with small, alternating leaves that are light to dark green. Delicate flowers about 1 inch in diameter emerge from the leaf axis and range in color from light blue to white. They often resemble crawling vines but can become thick in some areas. In hot and dry regions an endemic subspecies (J. ovalifolia subsp. sandwicensis) can be found with stems and leaves that are covered with soft fuzzy hair that helps the plant adapt to harsh conditions. The hairs reflect sunlight, preventing the plant from drying out too quickly.

Distribution: The glossy, indigenous form of pa'u o hi'iaka is found throughout the Hawaiian Islands on rocky coastal sites, coexisting with other native strand flora like 'ilima papa, nehe, hinahina and 'alena, while the endemic subspecies is found more commonly in drier regions like South Point and Kawaihae on the Big Island.

Cultural uses: Leaves of pa'u o hi'iaka were commonly used to treat babies with thrush. The vinelike runners can be braided and used for lashing.

Landscape use and care: Use as a ground cover for places that are extremely dry and hot. Plant them about one foot apart. They fill in nicely. Soak the ground every other day initially, then slowly wean. This plant is somewhat short-lived and might die back after a few years, but don't worry. By this time it has set thousands of seeds, and the area will grow in even fuller.

More information: Hi'iaka is the sister of the Hawaiian fire goddess Pele. This plant's name comes from a story that has Hi'iaka waiting on the beach for Pele, who is out surfing. When Pele returns, she finds her younger sister sleeping, with this vine draped over her to protect her from the sun.