Naupaka Kahakai
Description: Shrub or small tree reaching heights of three meters tall. Has white flowers that appear to be halves with white berries. Has large, paddle-shaped, light green leaves. Leaves are succulent and the seeds are beige, corky, and ridged.
ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):
Inoa(Name):
- Scientific – Scaevola Taccada
- Hawaiian – Naupaka Kahakai, Aupaka, Huahekili, Naupaka, Naupaka Kai
- English – Beach Naupaka, Naupaka
ʻOhana: Part of Goodeniaceae family
Kūlana olakino(Status): Indigenous
Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):
The taproot bark is combined with salt and can be added to pains and sores.
Ways it was Used:
- Fruit was used to make dye.
Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None
Hoʻohana Hiʻohiʻona ʻāina (Utilize Landscape)Landscape Use:
- Makes an excellent windbreaker especially in areas with strong salty winds. Does well in a large pot in a sunny location.
Mū – Pests: Very few.
Nū hou Propagation(Propagation Information):
- Can grow from seeds, which germinate better after being soaked in salt water.
- Large branches can be cut and rooted in the ground or container.
- Should be moist until it sprouts roots.
Fun Fact: Leaves are used regularly by snorkelers and fishermen to clear their masks. Before jumping in water, they break the leaf in 2 and wipe sap on their goggles.
