La`amia

The La`amia tree was introduced to Hawai`i from tropical America. It is commonly known as the Calabash tree. In some other countries, it is known as: Guira (Cuba), Jicaro (Mexico), Calabacero (Spain), Mate (Ecuador), Calebassier (France), Cujete (Philippines) and Hu lu shu (China),

La`amia is an evergreen that grows around 25' in height. It is identified by its long, horizontally spreading, mostly single brown-gray branches. These are decorated with spoon shaped leaves that taper toward the branch where they are attached in clusters. Underneath the branches and along the trunk itself, the La`amia produces large, thin-shelled waxy, green, spherical fruits, up to 20" in diameter. Contained within the fruit is a whitish pulp and black seeds. The flowers of the La`amia only bloom in the evening when they give off a slight scent. The greenish yellow flowers are funnel shaped, have 5 petals, are about 2 inches across, and have purple veins.

The tree may flower and fruit at any time of the year. Pollination takes place by bats. La`amia grows in full sun and well drained areas.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Hollowed fruit were used to make hula instruments, such as the `uli`uli (feathered gourd) and `ulili (spinning gourd instrument)
• Leaves used as poutlice for headaches (Sumatra)
• Fruit used to treat diarrhea, stomachaches, respiratory conditions, coughs, (Panama, Vietnam)
• Fruit mixed with water used to treat burns (Africa)
• Properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-platelet aggregation, healing of wounds, snake bites