Uhaloa

According to Hawaiian legend, Uhaloa (also known as Hialoa) is one of the kino lau (body forms) that Kamapua`a, the pig god can assume. It is from the stellar hairs, or soft down on the leaves, that it was originally placed in the Sterculiaceae family. But, this classification has now been placed within the Malvaceae.

Uhaloa is a short-lived shrub. It can grow up to six feet high. The roots grow laterally giving off a number of fine roots. The plant is recognizable by the velvety down on the stems and alternate, serrate-edged oval leaves. In the leaf axils can be found clusters of yellow flowers gathered in small puffs. A tiny black seed can be found in the fruit capsules.

Uhaloa can be found in elevations up to 4,000 feet. The plant flourishes in dry, slightly salty soil.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• The bark of the taproot was chewed for sore throats
• Whole plants were boiled and juiced as a restorative tonic with a slightly bitter taste