‘Akilolo

‘AKILOLO

All Main Image Stalks Internode Bud Leaf Flesh Growth

Main Image

'‘AKILOLO'

Status: No Known Specimens

Background Information: '‘Akilolo' literally means "brain biting or nibbling." The name typically is associated with hīnālea ‘akilolo, the bird wrasse fish (Gomphosus varius), although a few sources also equate the name to the rainbow wrasse (Julis pulcherrima). The coloration of the bird wrasse are drastically different for the male, who is bright blue and green, and the female, who is black and white with a red nose. Kahuna use the bird wrasse as the pani (closing medicine) for ceremonies to cure head diseases, and the cane is used in the same way. '‘Akilolo' also refers to a variety of kalo, which may be substituted for the fish or the cane during rituals. One source states that this name is a ceremonial synonym for '‘Akoki.'

Historical Description: '‘Akilolo' is virtually identical to '‘Akoki,' but less vigorous and with smaller leaves. '‘Akilolo' is said to be almost identical with 'Pakaweli,' except that in 'Pakaweli' the leaves are somewhat variegated and the stripes of the sheath are underlaid with white, giving a pink or red appearance in contrast to the deep purple stripes of '‘Akilolo.'

Stalks

The stalks are described by Moir as “striped green and deep purplish-red when young, and turning to yellow and deep red on older exposed stalks”; by the USDA as “green and red striped becoming yellow and red striped”; and by Caum as “striped deep purple and yellow.” The USDA reports a very sparse wax bloom.

Internode

The wax bands are of medium thickness; internodes tend to be cylindric; growth ring striped and narrow; bud furrow strongly marked; root band is also striped, cylindric, and with 2–3 rows of eyes (USDA).

Bud

The buds are green, somewhat hairy, narrow-ovate with round-pointed tip, occur at the leaf scar, extend above the growth ring, and have medium-broad wings that begin below the middle of the bud (USDA).

Leaf

The leaves as short, broad and not variegated; sheaths are variegated with purple or dark purple and tend to be smooth (Moir); the primary auricle is small, fringed, calcarate; and secondary auricle is transitional with a short hair group (USDA).

Flesh

The flesh is soft and dark brown (Moir) or dark orangish (Caum).

Growth

The general form is said to be like 'Bandila'—growing very erect, reaching medium heights and having thick stalks under standard conditions (Moir).

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