Kea

KEA

All Main Image Stalk Internode Bud Leaf Flesh Growth

Main Image

'KEA'

Status: No Known Specimens

Background Information: Kea means "white"; the name is said to refer to the white flesh of the cane and also indicates uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiensis), a native dryforest tree. 'Kea' is the most commonly referenced and sacred cane in the Hawaiian collection and is presumed to be the original cane variety brought to the Islands. During the early 1800s, this was the most common variety planted near Hawaiian homes. After Kamehameha conquered Hāna, Maui, the konohiki were ordered to plant 'Kea' so visiting chiefs from the Big Island could enjoy it. 'Kea' is known for its profuse stooling and dense growth, which, along with its very sweet juice, is why the earliest sugar plantations in Hawai'i preferred this cane over all other Hawaiian varieties. There is a variety held in collections today as 'Kea' (see 'Not Kea'), but it does not match the historical descriptions, and genetic analysis clearly shows that it is a hybrid variety.

Historical Description: Kea is said to have been quite distinct from other varieties of kō, with the stalks being greenish white or greenish yellow as opposed to the yellows, reds, and striped canes that dominate the Hawaiian collection.

Stalk

The stalks were “straw green tinged carmine when sun exposed,” according to Jenman and Harrison, “medium to small sized stalks of greenish yellow,” according to Moir, “greenish-white” according to Spencer, “pale-white” according to Kimura, “whitish” according to Ka‘aiakamanu, and “greenish-yellow with sparse bloom” according to USDA.

Internode

The internodes were of decent length, though the cane itself was not exceedingly tall, and of only average or sub-average girth. According to the USDA, the wax bands were heavy, the bud furrow inconspicuous, and the growth ring olive green; the root bands were green and 7–9mm high with 4 rows of densely packed eyes

Bud

The buds were green, 15x10mm, ovate with a round pointed tip extending above the growth ring; the wings inserted at or below the center of the bud, medium broad and fringed; the sheaths very waxy and nearly hairless

Leaf

The dewlap was ascending ligulate with medium-length hairs on the outer surface; the lesser auricle transitional; and the greater auricle large calcarate and unfringed. The leaves were dark green, growing densely on the cane. The midrib was pale white. The flesh was very white or yellowish (lenalena).

Flesh

It was much esteemed for eating; the pith was brittle, sweet, and juicy when young, but as it aged the outer shell and flesh are said to have become even softer and more palatable.

Growth

Although the growth was thick it is often referred to as a “clean-looking cane,” owing largely to its very erect growth pattern leading to a straight, full plant. The growth is stated to have been quite distinct in appearance, resembling the growth of 'Creole' cane. 'Kea' is said to have been well adapted to withstand both drought and high elevations. This cane is reported to have flowered very abundantly, producing many large, pale flowers.

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