Olonā

Background Information

  • Genius: Touchardia
      • 1 Endemic Species: latifolia (all major islands)
      • lots of subspecies
  • Ancient uses: Inner bark could be processed into the world's strongest fiber, does not deteriorate in sea water. Hawaiian used as thread, string, rope, lei, fish nets, fish line, carrying nets. A ton of uses.

Flowers appear pink and white

Touchardia latifolia

  • Lots on Manoa Cliffs Trail in Enclosure
  • Ancient uses: Inner bark could be processed into the world's strongest fiber, does not deteriorate in sea water. Hawaiian used as thread, string, rope, lei, fish nets, fish line, carrying nets. A ton of uses.
  • Leaves are long, up to 8 inches

Manoa Cliff's trail

Starting to Flower

Source:

  • Flowering Plants of Hawaii, 1310-1312
  • Hall, p186