Uka Kava Big Island Organic Hawaiian Papa 'Ele'ele Kava ('Awa)

HAWAIIAN WOOD WORKING
Koa, Milo, Norfolk Pine

There is a fantastic new book out:
Hawaiian 'Awa
Views of an Ethnobotanical Treasure
Edited by Ed Johston and Helen Rogers
Association for Hawaiian 'Awa
The below has been reproduced with permission
Aloha, Cliff

UKA KAVA
P.O. BOX 7207
HILO, HAWAII 96720

Papa 'Ele'ele

Papa 'ele'ele is one of the most desirable cultivars. It has short, deep purple to green intemodes and beige nodes. Its leaf has a dark piko. The growth habit is prostrate.

Historian Samuel Kamakau mentions this cultivar: "The low-growing papa 'ele'ele and papa kea varieties of 'awa grow to be very handsome and decorative" ([1869] 1976, 41). Kaaiakamanu and Akina reported that it resembles 'awa Mo' i, but "its segments are considerably shorter. . . and it grows wildly, its branches scattering here and there among the shrubs" (1922, 19).

Papa 'ele'ele is sometimes called "the Queen's 'awa" or "Lu'ukia." It was the dominant cultivar found in an area of Waipi'o Valley that some valley residents call the "Queen's 'awa patch." The name Lu'ukia belonged to the wife of the ruler 'Olopana, and, according to tradition, she lived for a time in Waipi'o, perhaps in the 1300s (Cordy 2000, 141).

In addition, this 'awa is sometimes called "Alia 3." It has also been referred to as "Mo'i," but that is now thought to be incorrect. The variety we are now calling "Mo'i" is described earlier.

Chun's compilation of early medicinal lore lists Papa 'ele'ele among the varieties especially useful in treating urinary conditions (1994, 1:53-54).

This variety has been found growing wild in Waipi'o and Waimanu valleys on the island of Hawai'i, as well as in Kipahulu Valley on Maui.

Some Papa 'ele'ele plants have had very high kavalactone levels. The first sample of dried lateral roots in the chart below shows 20.8 percent total kavalactones, with kavain at 6.69 percent.

For the home garden, where space may be limited, consider this variety for the following advantages:

low-growing and wind-resistant
ornamental
stout, sturdy stalks
disease resistance
it makes a great drink.

Reproduced with permission from
Hawaiian 'Awa
Views of an Ethnobotanical Treasure
Edited by Ed Johston and Helen Rogers
Association for Hawaiian 'Awa
Hilo, Hi
©2007

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for pregnant or nursing mothers. These products may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Use care until you become familiar with their effects.

HEALTHFUL * MEDICINAL * PLEASURABLE