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ʻŌhelo is found near the summits or on the ridge trails in the native forest. It is a small fragile plant with a skinny stem but I guess it can withstand the windswept summits. ʻŌhelo is usually a small plant in the Ko'olaus and much bigger in the Waianaes especially in the Ka'ala area.
Background Information
There are 3 endemic species of ʻŌhelo. Ancient uses include Hawaiian Mythology stories involving Madam Pele. In modern times, the berry could be used to make ʻŌhelo pie. The key way to identifying the plant is its crown stamp on the bottom of the berry.
ʻŌhelo
This specific species of ʻŌhelo is called Vaccinium calycinum. It grows in the Ka'ala Bog on Oahu. Although not represented too well in the picture, this plant was tall about 4 feet in height.
ʻŌhelo
Here is a different species of ʻŌhelo called Vaccinium dentatum. Although it looks similiar to the calycinum, it grows much smaller like a shrub.
ʻŌhelo
In the Pihea plant guide book, it says dentatum on the Pihea trail, but doesn't look like it. The leaves curl which is confusing me, could be a variation of dentatum.
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