Kalo (Colocasia esculenta)

kalo in the field
Photo courtesy of MNBG

Hawaiian name: Kalo 
Botanical name: Colocasia esculenta
Family: Araceae
Status: Polynesian-introduced
Where found: All Islands
Water/Light: Wet, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: All elevations
Height: Up to 7 feet

 

Hawaiians grew 200 to 300 varieties; today about 60 varieties remain. All cultivars can be grown in both lo'i, and in māla. All parts edible when cooked, oxalic acid causes irritation if eaten raw. Poi as staple food, used in religious rituals, as bait for 'opelu fishing, and for gluing kapa.

kalo field

Photo credit: MNBG

kalo

Photo credit: MNBG

kuʻi kalo

Photo credit: 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
Keiki Under 12:   Free
Kama'aina:   Free
(with Hawai'i ID)

Plants from the MNBG Collection:

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