'LAUKONA' ('Kākonakona', 'Manini', 'Pūmai‘a')
Status: Held in Collections
Background Information: This name references the southerly winter storms that occur in Hawai‘i, and carries the connotation of the word laukōnā, which literally means "many dislikes" and is interpreted as "hardhearted, merciless, or implacable." These two definitions are sometimes applied together to imply "gusty anger," as captured in the chant lines “Eia mai au o ke Kona, ka makani hele ‘ulu‘ulu – Here I come, the southerly storm, the wind that blows furiously." Kākonakona, a name shared with a variety of ‘uala, refers to a native grass (Panicum torridum) with silky white hairs and small, cane-like plumes that only appears after heavy rains in small patches. Manini, literally meaning "stingy; to pour, or spill," refers to the adult stage of the convict tang (Acanthurus triostegus). This name is applied to other variegated crop varieties, including kalo, ‘uala, and mai‘a. Pūmai‘a literally means "stalk of the banana." Fornander relates the following story about the naming of this cane: "There were two men, Piikea and Aulii. Piikea asked Aulii: ‘What is the name of this cane?' Aulii gave his name: "The name of this cane is Laukona; its leaf has long white stripes; that is why it is called Laukona." Piikea disagreed with him on that name. He said the name was Pumaia. They quarreled a great deal over the name of this cane, and Aulii won."
Identifying Characteristics: Leaves heavily variegated with white or off-white. Stalks pale yellow or yellow striped with green. Sheaths variegated with white and moderately pubescent. Buds round, fat, noticeably pubescent, and with distinct pink or purple wings. 'Laukona' may be confused with ‘Not Hinahina' but is distinguishable by being smaller and less robust, having round buds as opposed to triangular, and having fewer rows of root eyes.