pua'akuhinia
Astelia menziesiana Sm.
Astelia menziesiana is a plant species in the family Asteliaceae, native to Hawaii. It is known by the Hawaiian names kaluaha, paʻiniu, and puaʻakuhinia. This non-woody, clumping plant grows up to 3 feet in height and width. It can be found as an epiphyte on trees or growing in the ground. The leaves are silvery-green or green on top, with undersides that may be white, gold, or silver. The plant produces long spikes of yellow, purple, or red flowers. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants, with female plants bearing small orange-yellow berries that are consumed by birds. Two other Astelia species, A. argyrocoma and the rare A. waialealae, are found only on Kauaʻi.
Description
Astelia menziesiana is a member of the Asteliaceae family and is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It forms dense clumps and can grow both as an epiphyte on trees or on the ground. The plant's foliage is characterized by its silvery-green upper surface and variably colored undersides. Its inflorescences are long and contain flowers in shades of yellow, purple, and red. The species exhibits dioecious reproduction, with male and female flowers on separate individuals. Female plants produce small berries that serve as food for birds. In addition to A. menziesiana, two other Astelia species, A. argyrocoma and the endangered A. waialealae, are restricted to the island of Kauaʻi.
Other common names
pua'akuhinia
Distribution
Hawaii
Synonyms
Astelia degeneriAstelia forbesiiAstelia veratroidesHamelinia veratroidesAstelia forbesii subsp. fallaxAstelia veratroides var. gracilisFunckia menziesianaAstelia veratroides subsp. macrospermaAstelia forbesii subsp. pachyspermaAstelia pachyspermaAstelia pachysperma subsp. fallaxAstelia menziesiana var. depauperataAstelia forbesii subsp. niveaAstelia veratroides var. purpureaAstelia menziesiana subsp. pachyspermaAstelia menziesiana subsp. fallaxAstelia menziesiana subsp. nivea
