Plant Profile
Smilax melastomifolia
Akaʻawa, Hoi kuahiwi, Piʻoi (Kauaʻi), Uhi, Ulehihi
Main Plant Information
Genus
Smilax
Species
melastomifolia
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Akaʻawa
- Hoi kuahiwi
- Piʻoi (Kauaʻi)
- Uhi
- Ulehihi
Hawaiian Names
- Akaawa
- Hoi kuahiwi
- Pioi (Kauai)
- Uhi
- Ulehihi
Common Names
- Catbrier
- Greenbrier
- Hawaiʻi greenbrier
Synonyms
- Pleiosmilax menziesii
- Pleiosmilax sandwicensis
- Smilax hawaiensis
- Smilax melastomaefolia var. subinermis
- Smilax sandwicensis
- Smilax sandwicensis var. crassifolia
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Vine/Liana
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
No data available.
Mature Size, Width
N/A
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Container
- Trellis or Fence Climber
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- Greenish-White
- White
Blooming Period
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Hoi kuahiwi may prove to be a year round or sporadic bloomer. The blooming period from January to June is based on photo evidence and may extend beyond these months. Fruiting period is also based on photos from May through December.
Flowers are dioecious, that is, male and female flowers found on separate plants.
The clusters of globose (round) greenish fruits turn white or bluish when mature.
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
The glossy leaves are heart-shaped and leathery with smooth edges and noticeable veins. A pair of tendrils are found at the base of each leaf.
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Light Green
- Medium Green
- Red
Additional Leaf Color Information
Hoi kuahiwi leaf color varies from location to location. They can be entirely medium green or light green with hints of pink or orange to dark green on the surface and bright red, orangish-red to purplish on the undersides.
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Ants, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Control the ants and it will help control the other pests.
Growth Requirements
Water Requirements
- Moist
- Wet
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Partial sun
- Shade
Soils
- Organic
Special Growing Needs
Since hoi kuahiwi are climbers, provide plants, trellis or a fence.
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 150 to 1000, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 1000 to 1999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 3000 to 3999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 4000 to 4999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 4000 to 4999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Hoi kuahiwi is found from 590 to 6825 feet in mesic to wet forest and along margins of bogs.
Special Features and Information
General Information
The genus Smilax comprises approximately 300 species in the Greenbrier family or Smilacaceae, with one endemic species Smilax melastomifolia .
One of the more famous relatives is Sarsaparilla ( Smilax regelii ). A soft drink was originally made from the roots, but now sometimes made with artificial flavors. [4]
Etymology
The generic name Smilax come from the Greek, smile , which means “rasping” and is thought to be a reference to the presence of prickles on the stems and leaves of many Smilax species. [1]
The specific epithet melastomifolia is from the Greek, melastoma, black-mouth, and folia/ folius, leaved, in reference to the dark leaves of this species.
Hawaiian Names:
Hoi kuahiwi is literally “mountain yam.”
Piʻoi is the Kauaʻi name for the Polynesian introduced hoi or bitter yam ( Dioscorea bulbifera ), an unrelated plant in Dioscoreaceae or the True Yam family.
Uhi is the name for the purple yam ( Dioscorea alata ).
Ulehihi is the same as uhi , but rarely used.
Background Information
Hoi kuahiwi is a host plant for the Hawaiian endemic moth species Scotorythra ortharcha . The caterpillars feed entirely on the young leaves of this species. [5,6]
The small, fleshy fruit develop from the female flowers and are dispersed by birds. [5]
Early Hawaiian Use
Food:
According to William Hillebrand (1821-1886), a young Prussian physician and plant collector, the tuberous roots of this species was eaten as a famine food by the early Hawaiians. Other sources state that “the tubers were rarely, if ever, eaten by the Hawaiians,” or “may have used been used as famine food by the Hawaiians, but apparently was not very palatable.” [2,3]
House Construction:
The vines were used to tie rafters in homes.
Modern Use
Appears to be in cultivation at least on Hawaiʻi Island.
Additional References
[1] “A Manual of Plant Names” by C. Chicheley Plowden.
[2] “In Gardens of Hawaii” by Marie C. Neal, page 211.
[3] “A Hiker’s Guide to Trailside Plants in Hawai’i” by John B. Hall, page 147.
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax_regelii [Accessed on 3/19/13]
[5] “The National Tropical Botanical Garden” http://ntbg.org [Accessed on 3/19/13]
[6] “Moths of the Alakaʻi Swamp” http://mothskauai.biotunes.org/leps/ [Accessed on 3/19/13]