Hoʻoulu Pōhinahina, Hoʻoulu Kaiāulu | Growing Pōhinahina, Growing Community
Pōhinahina, a remarkable native Hawaiian plant, is known for its unique adaptations to the harsh environment of our islands. The name ‘hinahina’ means silver or gray-haired, a fitting description for this sturdy plant that sports fine silvery hairs to reflect sunlight and reduce moisture loss. This resilient plant thrives in full sun, making it a perfect candidate for our Wahiawā farm.
FARM
6/1/20262 min read
Community Workday: Pōhinahina for Erosion Control
In an exciting turn of events, the Pua culture, Kamaʻāina community, and Lei Poina'ole Project gathered for a hands-on workshop designed to transplant pōhinahina (Vitex rotundifolia) for effective erosion control. Originally slated for April during Native Hawaiian Plant Month, this event was rescheduled to May due to the Kona storms that left our beloved farm in a bit of a mess, with soil erosion and wind damage to contend with.
From Seedling to Soil
Led by the knowledgeable Alberto Ricordi from CTAHR, whose expertise in ornamental plants and landscape management enriched the experience, attendees learned the ins and outs of utilizing pōhinahina for erosion control. During the workshop, participants gained hands-on experience by preparing planting sites, installing weed mats, burning planting holes with tiger torch, and successfully planting nearly 100 pōhinahina seedlings.
The journey didn’t stop there; attendees also discovered the various ways to utilize pōhinahina for medicinal purposes and incorporate pōhinahina into traditional Hawaiian leis, celebrating its beauty and versatility. As the workshop concluded, participants enjoyed refreshments and shared stories of their experiences, leaving the event with more than just knowledge and plants—they took home a sense of community spirit and a connection to nature.
As it turned out, on June 1, 2026, a broken pipe from a farm upstream caused significant flooding in the area. Thanks to everyone's hard work, the pōhinahina plantings held up remarkably well and helped stabilize the soil, reducing erosion despite the unexpected surge of water. A powerful reminder of how native plants can strengthen and protect the ʻāina.
Understanding Pōhinahina: The Silver Beauty of Hawai'i
Pōhinahina, a remarkable native Hawaiian plant, is known for its unique adaptations to the harsh environment of our islands. The name ‘hinahina’ means silver or gray-haired, a fitting description for this sturdy plant that sports fine silvery hairs to reflect sunlight and reduce moisture loss. This resilient plant thrives in full sun, making it a perfect candidate for our Wahiawā farm.
Makan
Cultivating health through culinary, agricultural and lifestyle medicine practices.
Pray
aloha
info@makanprayaloha.com
Prophetic Company Directory:
© 2024. All rights reserved.