Pohuehue

Pōhuehue is also known as Beach morning glory and Goat's foot. It is native to tropical countries and North America. There is a Hawaiian legend of the strength of the love between Pōhuehue and Kaunaoa.

One day, a terrible argument had torn the two apart and Pōhuehue set sail far away to the island of Lana'i. As days passed, sadness grew each thinking that the other had forgotten the other. However, because of their great love for each other, a dream stirred Pōhuehue to one day toss some hau flowers into the water where he watched them drift into the horizon. On the other shore however, Kaunaoa was swimming. Upon seeing the flowers her heart jumped remembering her beloved Pōhuehue. With the help of her aumakua guardian she was able to walk across the hau flowers strewn over the waters to the other side and into Kaunaoa's arms. Other names include: Fue moa (Samoa), Bagasua (Philippines), Ma ti cao (China), Tapak kuda (Malaysia), and Adambu (India).

Pōhuehue is a perennial plant that sends sprawling runners out from its woody roots to cover large tracts. The stems can run several feet away from the root. The leaves are double lobed and vibrant green about 3"-4" in circumference. Bell-shaped flowers range in color from pink to bluish lavender. They have 5 parts with a dark star-shaped center. Seeds can be found in capsules.

Pōhuehue grows well in full sun.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Leaves and roots used externally to treat wounds and broken bones
• Leaves used as a poultice to treat stingray and certain fish stings (Australia)
• In Malaysia, the plant was used to monitor toxic metal pollution at a beach site
• Properties: anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, larvicidal