Which variety of Kalo is the best? The one that's in the bowl on the table. - Jeremy Konanui, Hawaiian Mahiai
Papapueo: Native variety; the name Papapueo may indicate that this is an ancient variety in Hawai‘i, papa meaning ancient. Papa can also mean a flat surface or a board. Pueo may mean a land section, or owl.
USE AS FOOD
Fair poi taro.
DISTRIBUTION
Grown to some extent on Maui, under māla (wetland) culture, but very little elsewhere.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Short to medium in height, moderately spreading, maturing within 9 to 12 months, producing from 2 to 5 ‘ohā; the clark green Hā (Petiole) with conspicuous, broad whitish lihi (stem edge) is the chief distinguishing character.
HA (PETIOLE)
50 to 70 cm. long, dark green with conspicuous, broad whitish at the lihi (stem edge), a brilliant dark pink ring at kōhina (base) with light pink for 3 to 5 cm. above the base.
LAU OR LU'AU(LEAF BLADE)
35 to 50 cm. long, 25 to 40 cm. wide, 30 to 40 cm. from tip to base of sinus (māhae), egg-shaped (ovate), drooping, dark green; margins slightly wave-like (undulate); piko light green to light brownish; round leaf section (lobes) acute with wide lihi māhae (sinus).
I'O KALO (CORM)'
Flesh white with inconspicuous yellowish fibers; skin pale pink.
PUA (FLOWER)
REMARKS
*The # refers to CTAHR's bulletin 84 system.
