‘Uala (Sweet Potato)
Hawaiian name: ‘Uala
Botanical name: Ipomoea batatas
Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
Status: Polynesian-introduced
Where found: In cultivation
Water/Light: Moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 5,000 feet
Height: Up to 1 foot
Notes: There once may have been more than 200 Hawaiian varieties of ‘uala. In old Hawai‘i, the young leaves were eaten as greens (called palula), and the sap was used in many medicinal treatments. A nursing mother wore an open lei of ‘uala vines to induce the flow of milk. The tuberous root (a great source of vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus) was an important food for early Hawaiians; and continues to be a local favorite today.

‘Ōlelo Noeau:
He ʻuala ka ʻai hoʻōla koke i ka wī
Translation: Sweet potato is the food that quickly ends the famine
‘Uala li‘ili‘i o Kalepolepo.
Translation: Small potatoes from Kalepolepo.
Meaning: Said of an unintelligent person.
From Work Done by Whit Germano to Catalog Native Hawaiian Plants
MNBG
Location
The Garden is located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, Maui, right across from the War Memorial Stadium.
(808) 249-2798
Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed occasionally for inclement weather and Hawaii State Holidays.
Admission
Members: Free
General: $10
Kama'āina (with Hawai'i ID) & Keiki Under 12: Free
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