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‘Awa: Kava

Importance: Roots are pounded and mixed with water to create a ceremonial drink for religious offerings and rituals. Dried roots…

Kalo: Taro

Importance: The corm (root tuber) is a staple food; raw corm was used to stop bleeding; kalo juice was used…

Kī: Ti

Importance: Leaves used for wrapping gifts and religious offerings, and made into sandals, rain coats, roof thatching. Leaves were used…

Ko: Sugar Cane

Importance: Food source; used to sweeten the bitter taste of medicine.  

Mai‘a: banana

Importance: Fruits are a staple food; leaves are used for wrapping food during cooking, especially in imu (underground oven); leaf…

‘Uala: Sweet potato

Importance: Tubers are a staple food and were also used as fishing bait. Certain varieties were used to alleviate asthma…

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