'MAHAI‘ULA'
Status: Held in Collections
Background Information: The name literally means “red trevally” (Psuedocaranx or Gnathanodon spp.), which is said to be a rare giant trevally with a reddish hue to its reflection. The name, however, refers not necessarily to the fish, but to a coastal location on the western coast of Hawai‘i Island. Traditional references conflictingly equate this variety with 'Pakaweli,' with 'Wai‘ōhi‘a,' or describe it as different than either. It is likely then that this cane, if it is a traditional cultivar, was known by different names on different islands. Unfortunately, no physical descriptions of 'Mahai‘ula' were identified, and verification of its authenticity was not possible. This cane, called 'Mahai‘ula' today, closely matches the historical descriptions of 'Wai‘ōhi‘a' and is physically and genetically very similar to '‘Ie‘ie'/'Cavengerie.' Due to the unaligned references, this cane is treated as a unique variety.
Description of Characteristics: Stalks are purple striped with dark purple. Sheaths are long and variegated. The transitional auricle is fringed with an extended area of long, dense hairs. Nearly identical to '‘Ie‘ie' but more robust, with thicker stalks and better ratooning, and darker in color.