`Akia

The`Akia is also known as the False `ohelo, Bear berry, and Molokai osmanthus. It belongs to the family of densely sprawling shrubs used as a ground cover. In the Hawaiian language, `akia as a verb refers to "ferment," as in sour poi.

`Akia is a sturdy, low-growing native shrub with dense branches native to dry, open, lowland, or coastal habitats. It can spread to several feet and also can grow three or four feet tall. Its small pale green leaves are darker on the surface than underneath. The oval leaves grow alternately on top of each other, range from dark to light green and are opaque or glaucous. It flowers irregularly. The yellowish unisexual flowers are about a quarter inch in size and have 4 to 5 parts. At night, the flowers give off a musky fragrance that may not appeal to all. Female plants produce reddish-orange berries about ¾ inch round that usually contain a seed.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• The bark, roots and leaves were used as a poison for stunning fish, making them easier to capture
• The bark was used in making very strong cordage
• The berries were used in lei making
• Mixed with coconut and sugarcane, the sap was given along with sweet potato as a purgative to cleanse the body of toxins