Panini-o-Ka-Punahou

Pānini-o-Ka-Punahou is the literal Hawaiian translation for "cactus of Punahou." The plant is also known as the night blooming cereus or Queen of the night. It is originally from Mexico where it is known as pitahaya, and is related to the dragon fruit. The story is told that the first cutting was given to Mrs. Sybil Bingham in 1836 who then planted it along the dry stack rock wall of Punahou.

Each thorny stem of Pānini-o-Ka-Punahou can grow up to 20 feet long. There are aerial roots along the succulent, tri-winged stems. The fragrant, creamy white flowers are about 6 inches in length and composed of many petals. Central in the flower are several yellow stamens. Pollination of the flower takes place by nocturnal creatures such as moths and bats.

Pānini-o-Ka-Punahou blooms from sunset to sunrise during the months of June through October.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usage

• Ornamental