`Ala`ala wai nui

`Ala`ala wai nui refers to two species of plants- the Peperomia species (which is associated with the male aspect), and the Plectranthus parviflorus. Common names include the Arid-land peperomia.

The plant is a small herb with small leaves of green to dark green with a paler underside. The color of the underside can be reddish or purple with red streaks. The plant has numerous flower spikes.

It can be found growing on rocks, cliffs and lava, as well as in dry and mesic forests.

Traditional Medicinal and Cultural Usages

• The ashes of burnt `Ala`ala wai nui leaves and stems was used to make a gray green dye used in dying kapa (tapa) by the early Hawaiians
• The juice was used as a tonic and for inner ear disorders
• Various parts of the plants were used orally with other ingredients for debilitating consumption, relapse after recovery from illness, severe asthma, and possibly for various stages of appendicitis