ʻUala
Description: Vine with large underground tubers. The leaves are medium in size and are green and outlined with a deep purple red color.
ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):
Inoa(Name):
- Scientific – Ipomea sp.
- Hawaiian –
ʻOhana: Part of Convolvulaceae family
Kūlana olakino(Status): Introduced
Ways it was Used:
- Cultivated for its tubers, leaves can be eaten and are important for drying.
- Tubers can be used as fish bait for fishing.
- The vines are used to under cushion for lauhala mats used in houses, open leis and sometimes are fermented into beer.
Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None
Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):
- This plant can help with nausea when combined with other liquid from fruits and mashed then strained. The liquid is consumed until vomiting occurs.
- ‘Uala leaves and leaf buds mixed with pork can help with pa’ao’ao in babies. With the addition of lu’au and kukui nut sap and this mixture can be used on older children and adults.
- For shortness of breath, the tuber of the ‘uala is pounded and blended with other native plant species which are cooked, strained and consumed.
- Other aids can include asthma, constipation, removing thick, tough phlegm from the stomach or chest, as well as several other internal problems.
