ʻAlaʻalawainui

ʻAlaʻalawainui

Alaalawainui

Names

  • ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: ʻAlaʻalawainui
  • Scientific:  Peperomia spp

Conservation Status

  • As a greater species, ʻalaʻalawainui is considered secure. However, specific species of ʻalaʻalawainui, such as Peperomia subpetiolata found on East Maui, are considered critically imperiled.

Species Information

ʻAlaʻalawainui is a low-growing succulent endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Their leaves and stems are green-yellowy green with an occasional red hue. Of the 24 species of ʻalaʻalawainui, 23 are endemic and one indigenous (Bishop Museum, 2024). ʻAlaʻalawainui has various medicinal uses. Parts of the plant can be used treat a variety of harmful bacteria affecting people of all genders and ages, such as babies with ‘ea (Bishop Museum, 2024). In addition to medicine, ʻalaʻalawainui can be used as dye for kapa (Native Plants Hawaiʻi, 2009).

Distribution

A species variation of ʻalaʻalawainui may be found on the Hawaiian islands of Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi (Native Plants Hawaiʻi, 2009).

Habitat

The plant’s desired habitat is primarily wet habitats. Habitat preferences may vary across the 24 species of ʻalaʻalawainui, and some may grow in dry and mesic environments (Bishop Museum, 2024). Within these environments, ʻalaʻalawainui are most likely to be found along rocky areas or cliffs (UH, 2000).

Threats

Pests and diseases impact the health of ʻalaʻalawainui. Examples include ungulates, ants, slugs, and fungus rot (Bishop Museum, 2024).

Photos

ʻAlaʻalawainui

References & Additional Resources

  • Ala ala Wai Nui Peperomia subpetiolata. (n.d.). https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2013/09/Fact-Sheet-Peperomia-subpetiolata.pdf 
  • Bishop Museum – Ethnobotany Database. (2024). http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=d&ID=alaalawainui 
  • Peperomia leptostachya (‘Ala’ala Wai Nui). (2000). https://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/pep-lept.htm 
  • Native Plants Hawaii – Viewing Plant : Peperomia blanda var. floribunda. (2009). http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Peperomia_blanda_floribunda/