Introduction Glossary References Web Resources

‘Oene

Taxonomy  Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta

Other names (synonyms)

Habit   Short to medium in height, moderately spreading, producing 6-15 ‘ohā.

Corm   White flesh with light pinkish tinge, especially near apex, cortex dark pink; small corms.

Petiole   Light lilac-purple flecked, almost lacking in green, lighter pink above the base, a dark pink ring at the base (kohina).

Leaf blade   Ovate, dark green; piko purple; lobes obtuse with wide sinus.

Origin   Hawaiian variety.

Cultivation   Dryland cultivation?; matures in 9-12 months.

Uses   Famine food.

Comments   Distinguished by the lilac-purple flecked petioles which are almost lacking in green and fairly numerous ‘ohā; a wild taro which used to grow fairly abundantly in open woodlands with little care. ‘Oene also refers to the last kalo taken from a crop; a small-sized kalo.


© Bishop Museum, 2006. All rights reserved.