So it turns out that what I planted on day 39 wasn’t a Hau tree but it was a Ma’o hau hele or native yellow hibiscus which is our state flower. So today I planted an actual Hau tree, a tri-color variety that will eventually make a nice shaded chill spot with an ocean view between the coconut trees. My neighbor Ka’iana who is a kalo expert stopped by today identified some of the varieties we have. Lihilihi mōlina was a kalo once considered lost and was a favorite of Queen Emma. ʻOʻopukai with the dark sap, and Kūmū ‘ula’ula with it’s red stalk and red veins. It’s so cool to learn the stories of each variety of kalo and makes them extra special to enjoy.
Originally posted on 2021-03-15, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.