Milo

Milo - I don't think I've ever came across Milo in the wild. The picture below is some plants at the beginning of the Makapu'u Lighthouse trail. The flower is usually yellow, but gets pink as it grows older. The leaf looks like taro leaves.

Background Information

Milo is interesting because there is debate by the experts if this plant is indigenous or a Polynesian Introduction. I'm not sure the backstory, but there must be creditable evidence right? Ancient Hawaiians used the plant to make bowls from its wood, also to make a yellow/green dye.

Genus: Thespesia

Picture taken at Makapu'u Lighthouse trail

Thespesia

Appearance

Size: 2-10 inches long, 2-3 inches wide
Leaves: Green, heart shaped, glossy, lightening bolt in the middle
Fruit: Oval nuts, 1 inch long
Flower: Yellow, pink
Indigenous or Introduced

Sources:

Hall, 15