Kulu'i
Description: Nototrichium sandwicense can be a shrub or a small tree, but it is usually branched from the base rather than having a single trunk. It can reach heights of 12 to 20 feet, but is generally around 6 feet tall. The light gray trunk is mottled in a diamond pattern. The fuzzy, silvery leaves are variable in size and shape. They are usually oval and range from 1 to 4 inches long and are half as wide. The twigs are also covered with silvery or pale brown hairs. The insignificant flowers occur in stout woolly spikes. (Koob 1998; NTBG 1992; Wagner 1990)
ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):
Inoa(Name):
- Scientific – Nototrichium sandwicense
- Hawaiian – Kulu’ī
- English – Hawaiʻi rockwort
ʻOhana: Part of Amaranthaceae family
Kūlana olakino(Status): Endemic
Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):
- N/A
Ways it was Used:
- the flowers and wood were packed into hallow stem like bamboo(ʻohe), lit on fire and thrown from cliff – the fiery material would eject like a firework aerial display
- the flower spikes and new leaves can be used in lei poʻo (head lei) or flower arrangement
Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): N/a
Nū hou Propagation(Propagation Information):
- Easily grown from cuttings, cuttings must be collected right away. Stick a few into potting soil and make sure it drains well.
Hoʻohana Hiʻohiʻona ʻāina (Utilize Landscape)Landscape Use:
- A large shrub that can grow naturally or trim to match the surrounding. Can grow in large clay or cement pot in the sun.
