Nioi

There are numerous species of pepper in the Capsicum genus. Certain peppers grown in Hawai`i are called Nīoi, and commonly referred to as the Hawaiian chili pepper or Bird chili pepper. A similar variation, not native to Hawai`i is the Tabasco pepper. This species is originally from Central and South America. In Samoa, the plant is known as Polo feu.

A very rare form of the plant, the Eugenia rariflora species was used in Hawaiian courtship long ago. The flowers were said to be hidden near the bosom of the courtier as he walked to and fro in front of the house of his beloved attempting to awaken her to love.

Nīoi grow on medium sized bushes from 1-4 feet in height. The thin green stems grow upright until they reach the flower head, when it curves slightly. Flowers are white with a light green corolla. The fruit of the Nīoi are ellipsoid-conical in shape. It grows in clusters, at first green in color, then turning bright red when ripe.

Nīoi does best in partial sun. High temperatures can cause the plant to stop bearing fruit.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• High in vitamins A and C
• Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, pain reliever
• Increase circulation; stop bleeding and seizures