Hala pepe (Dracaena auwahiensis)

Hawaiian name: Hala pepe
Botanical name: Dracaena auwahiensis
Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui & Molokai
Water/Light: Dry to moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 1,830 to 3,660 feet
Height: Up to 30 feet

Notes: This monocot is a beautiful tree that has a compact, narrow crown. The flowers appear in large panicles followed by bright red-orange berries. Hawaiians used the soft whitish or reddish wood for ki’i (carved images) and it was one of the essential plants represented on hula altars.

Photo: Star

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A Few Native Hawaiian Plants from the MNBG Collection