Colocasia esculenta

Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as Kalo, is profoundly significant in Hawaii, serving as more than just a food source. It embodies deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

Hawaiian mythology recounts kalo as the elder brother of humanity, growing from the stillborn child of Wākea and Hoʻohokukalani, making it the ancestor of the Hawaiian people. This lineage establishes a familial bond, reflected in the word ʻohana (family), which derives from ʻoha (kalo suckers).

As a staple food, kalo's starchy corm is used to form poi, a vital and the traditional Hawaiian diet. The labor-intensive cultivation in loʻi (irrigated terraces) showcases ancient Hawaiians' advanced agricultural knowledge and a sustainable land. 

Kalo represents a living link to Hawaiian ancestors, a symbol of sustenance and community, and a testament to the profound relationship between the Hawaiian people and their land.