‘Ainakea

‘AINAKEA

All Main Image Stalk Color Leaves Flesh Growth

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'‘AINAKEA' ('‘Ainakea Maoli,' 'Leanihi,' 'Pūkea')

Status: No Known Specimens

Background Information: '‘Ainakea' literally means "white (kea) pith/bagasse (‘aina)" or "white land (‘āina)." According to Fornander, this name refers to a particular episode in Hawaiian mythology: Kū‘ula and Kāne, two powerful akua, practiced their sorcery on the people of Honua‘ula, Maui, and left the bodies of the dead strewn about and exposed. The duo added further insult by snacking on sugarcane grown by the victims to quench their thirst; since this time the cane has been called '‘Ainakea,' referencing the white bones left bleaching in the sun – the leftover waste (‘aina) from the event. However, lā‘au lapa‘au sources indicate that the name refers to the flesh of the cane, which is said to be the whitest of all Hawaiian canes – a particularly rare trait for a dark-skinned variety. An alternative name, 'Laenihi,' generally refers to high-headed labroid fish of the genera Hemipteronotus and Iniistius. Another name, 'Pūkea,' is a quantifying term applied to 'Laenihi' that refers to a whitish coloration and was used to denote a specific species of fish. '‘Ainakea' was one of the few canes used in medicinal concoctions by the kahuna hāhā, and was important in the treatments for pā‘ao‘ao, ‘ea, hilo, and waikī.

Stalk Color

The stalks are described by Moir as "maroon-red and striped with apple green when young, and changing to purplish red and yellow when mature"; by Fornander as "red with long white stripes"; and by Spencer as "a ribbon cane, green and purple." Alternatively, Ka‘aiakamanu compares it to 'Manulele,' and states that the stalks were "dark reddish as the pōpolo liquid."

Leaves

The sheaths are distinctly variegated with white, the leaves occasionally slightly variegated, and the midribs pale or yellowish white (Moir).

Flesh

Moir reports that a distinguishing characteristic is that the flesh in cross-section is segmented into brown and white sections that reflect the banding on the outside of the stalk (the pith being white where the stalk is red), although Ka‘aiakamanu gives a conflicting description indicating that the flesh is white throughout. The flesh is described as soft and brittle, rich in juice, and good eating due to its sweetness. The rind of the cane is said to be slightly tough.

Growth

Moir states that the growth is erect and of moderate height, and ratoons poorly.

Information

Status: No Known Specimens

Background Information: ‘Ainakea literally means “white (kea) pith/bagasse (‘aina)” or “white land (‘?ina).” According to Fornander this name refers to a particular episode in Hawaiian mythology: K?‘ula and K?ne, two powerful akua, practiced their sorcery on the people of Honua‘ula, Maui, and left the bodies of the dead strewn about and exposed. The duo added further insult by snacking on sugarcane grown by the victims to quench their thirst; since this time the cane has been called ‘Ainakea in reference to the white bones left bleaching in the sun. However, many l?‘au lapa‘au sources indicate that the name refers to the flesh of the cane, which is said to be the whitest of all Hawaiian canes – a particularly rare trait for a dark-skinned variety. An alternative name, Laenihi, refers generally to high-headed labroid fish of the genera Hemipteronotus and Iniistius. Another name, P?kea, is a quantifying term applied to Laenihi that refers to a whitish coloration and was used to denote a specific species of fish. ‘Ainakea was one of the few canes used in medicinal concoctions by the kahuna h?h?, and was important in the treatments for p?‘ao‘ao, ‘ea, hilo, and waiki.

Historical Description: ‘Ainakea is said to be [DE1] one of the prettiest Hawaiian canes, similar in appearance to ‘?hi‘a when it is young but lightening in color as it grows. It was often said to be one of the best-producing native cane varieties and was popular cane home gardens, particularly in dry and lowland areas.

Stalk Color

The stalks are described by Moir as “maroon-red and striped with apple-green when young, and changing to purplish-red and yellow when mature”; by Fornander as “red with long white stripes”; and by Spencer as “a ribbon cane, green and purple.” Alternatively, Ka‘aiakamanu compares it to Manulele (a striped cane), and states that the stalks were “dark reddish as the p?polo liquid.”

Authored by: Noa Kekuewa Lincoln.
Please properly cite any use of information or graphics from this page.

Lincoln, N. (2017) Kō: An Ethnobotanical Guide to Hawaiian Sugarcane Varieties.
Retrieved from: http://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/cane/Home.aspx