‘Āhinahina (Artemisia mauiensis)

Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen

Hawaiian name: ‘Āhinahina
Botanical name: Artemisia mauiensis
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: East Maui
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 6,200 to 7,500 feet
Height: 2 to 6 feet, with an up to 5 foot spread

This species of ‘āhinahina is found only on Maui. In Hawaiian medicine, ‘āhinahina leaves are pounded and used in a treatment for asthma. When storing their handmade feather cloaks, early Hawaiians often added ‘āhinahina to their calabashes (‘umeke) to prevent damage from insects. Other names for this plant are Hinahina and Maui Wormwood. ‘Āhinahina does best at mid to high elevations, but will grow at lower elevations with minimal salt exposure. This species can hybridize with A. australis, another endemic Hawaiian species.