Which variety of Kalo is the best? The one that's in the bowl on the table. - Jeremy Konanui, Hawaiian Mahiai
This variety is from Henry Leong of Kea‘au. It is a hybrid. Lehua refers to a red color similar to the red flower of the ‘ōhi‘a tree. Lehua reflects the color that the poi transforms into; the fresh poi is grey and ferments into red, after a couple days. Lehua also means warrior, beloved friend or relative, sweetheart and expert. Poni is purple. Poni also means to anoint, crown, appoint.
USE AS FOOD
DISTRIBUTION
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
HA (PETIOLE)
Light purple, brownish.
LAU OR LU'AU(LEAF BLADE)
I'O KALO (CORM)'
PUA (FLOWER)
REMARKS
Bronzing of lau. Grown at Pane'ewa Hilo ag station. Hybrid of unknown combination. Can stand up to 6 feet. Grown dryland. Corm is purple lilac. Pounds like Maui lehua.
*The # refers to CTAHR's bulletin 84 system.
