‘Ōhelo
Names
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: ‘Ōhelo
- Scientific: Vaccinium calycinum
Conservation Status
- NatureServe Heritage Rank G3 – Vulnerable
Species Information
‘Ōhelo is a deciduous plant endemic to Hawa’i and part of the Ericaceae family. It typically grows 1 to 5 m tall. The plant is found without leaves for 1 to three weeks from October to February (Wagner, 1990). Vaccinium calycinum can bloom 9 months after germination. Traditionally used to treat stomach pains (“‘Ōhelo,” n.d.).
Distribution
‘Ōhelo is found on all Hawaiian islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe.
Habitat
‘Ōhelo grows at elevations of 500 to 1,800 m (1,640 to 5,905 ft). Generally grows in wet forests and bogs.
Threats
- Trampling by feral ungulates
- Competition with alien invasive plants
References & Additional Resources
“‘Ōhelo, ‘Ōhelo Kau Lā‘Au (V. Calycinum), ‘Ōhelo ‘Ai (V. Reticulatum).” Bishop Museum – Ethnobotany Database, https://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=d&ID=ohelo.
Wagner, W. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press.
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