The small seedling Alii‘poe (canna) we planted in the vegetable garden on day 22 is way too big now. I transplanted the clump to the spot we call the terraces right behind the vegetable garden. Julia started with just four seeds from her coworker and now we have tons of it. Its interesting to note that the Hawaiians used the seeds to make ‘ulī’ulī, as well as the kayamb in Réunion island, and the hosho from Zimbabwe, all rattle instruments. Apparently a purple dye can be obtained from the seeds too. If anyone wants any let us know. It’s a wonderful plant for the landscape.
Originally posted on 2021-06-16, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.