Hawaiian Name(s): koali ‘awa, koali ‘awahia, koali lā‘au (Ni‘ihau), koali pehu

Scientific Name: Ipomoea indica

Vernacular Name: none

Family: Convolvulaceae

Status: indigenous

Authority: (J.Burm.) Merr.

Description: Vines; stems twining more than 5 m long, leaves 5-9 cm long.

Habitat Dry, disturbed areas, below 150 m (Wagner et al. 1990:556–557).

Medicines: All parts as purgative; stems/leaves crushed as a poultice for wounds and sores. Juice of roots, leaves, stem and flowers used as a laxative, and in treating broken bones, used along with a kī (ti, Cordyline fruticosa) leaf to protect the skin (Abbott 1992:100).

Non Medicinal Uses:

Specific gravity of wood: unknown

Famous Locations:

Mele:

`Ōlelo Noeau:

Dye Color and Parts:

Kino lau:

Location on Bishop Museum Kalihi Campus:

Propagation Information:

Seed: Seed length approximately 5 mm. Photograph: H.Lennstrom.
Click for image