The native plant highlight for this Parker Press posting is the elusive yet extravagantly showy ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui (Peperomia sp.)
Scientific Roots
The Hawaiian name ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui refers to the roughly 25 species of Peperomia that grow in Hawai’i, of which 23 are endemic (1). The Peperomia genus is in the Piperaceae family, home to many other notable plants, including black pepper (Piper nigrum). Funnily enough, the tiny fruits of some ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui plants have a slight peppery taste!
The tiny seeds of an unknown Peperomia species - Credit Kai Garcia-Tobar
The minuscule flowers (white and at ends of spikes) and seeds (green and larger) of the plant - Credit Kai Garcia-Tobar
Ecology
‘Ala’ala Wai Nui finds itself growing in interesting places. First, is in the trunks of trees. ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui grow as epiphytes, creating their own soil and ecosystem within the canopies of other plants. In this way, the ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui creates a habitat for endemic Kāhuli (land snails) and small insects. Second, is in wet rocky places. By sending its roots out into the rock, the ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui effectively stabilizes the ground and protects against erosion. Additionally, ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui plays a role in Hawaiian watersheds by slowing down the movement of water and allowing it to percolate into the aquifers rather than running off.
Unknown Peperomia species found growing in an 'ōhi'a lehua tree - Credit Kai Garcia-Tobar
Cultural Importance
Early Hawaiians had many uses for ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui. The first was in dye. From the ashes of the burnt stems and leaves of ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui came the dye ‘ahiahia or puahia, which was used for dying kapa. Second, was in medicine. Various parts were used for inner ear disorders, relapse after recovery from illness, severe asthma, and as an important ingredient in many other tonics. (2)
Threats
No ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui species are federally listed as endangered. However,' Ala’ala Wai Nui undoubtedly still suffers from the same issues that other native plant species face, which are pigs, invasive plants, development, and climate change. One thing to keep in mind is that if you find yourself hiking in the habitat of ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui, it’s very important to be conscientious of where you step. Even though they're flashy, ‘Ala’ala Wai Nui plants are very small and inconspicuous.
Uknown Peperomia species with a pubescent (hairy) leaf surface - Credit Kai Garcia-Tobar
Uknown Peperomia species with a glabrous (smooth) leaf surface - Credit Kai Garcia-Tobar
‘Ala’ala Wai Nui is a precious and exceptionally beautiful plant that occurs only in Hawai’i. It’s our duty to do what we can to appreciate and protect it and the importance that it holds.
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