Pūkiawe

Background Information

  • Scientific Name: Styphelia
    • Species: tamiameiae
  • Indigenous, confused with introduced Australian Tea plant that looks like pukiawe
  • Ancient uses: Berries eaten by Nene goose, wood used for kapa anvils, modify mana in a person in most cases reduce it.
  • Modern uses:

Appearance

  • Shrub
  • Height: 6-24 inches tall
  • Flower: Small, purple center, white petals
  • Leaves: Small, oval like needle leaves
  • Fruit: Red and White

All in the same area on Hawaii Loa Ridge, different color berries

White berries

Pink berries

Purple berries

Source