Plant – Akia

ʻAkia

Description: Shrub or small tree reaching a height of three feet, spreads laterally up to ten feet. The leaves are small and have curved edges and have a dusted green color with yellow flowers with red fruit followed by orange-red berries. This is a groundcover plant that can spread about 10 feet wide with arranged leaves.

Akia photo

 ʻōlelo mua / Introduction: 

Inoa (Name):

  • Scientific – Wikstroemia foetida
  • Hawaiian – ʻAkia

ʻOhana: Part of Thymelaeaceae family

Plant Status: Endemic

Kinolau – Descendent of Hawaiian God: None

Kanu – (To Plant)Propagation:

  • This plant can grow from seeds and cuttings.

Mū – Pests: Very few

lāʻau lapaʻau – Medicinal Usage:

  • Can be used as a purgative when the sap is mixed with nui flesh (coconut) and ko kea (white sugarcane) and ingested with ‘uala.

Ways It was Used:

  • The wood from the plant was used as ‘auamo (carrying sticks). The leaves, branches and berries, beaten and used as a lei.  

Landscape uses:

  • To grow as an effective groundcover, plant young plants 1 foot apart or closer.
    • It is lovely when planted on a wall or rocks and they start to go over the edge.
    • Once planted, it is drought and wind tolerant