Scientific Name: Pandanus tectorius
Description: A medium sized tree up to 30+ ft. with long spiny leaves and many prop roots.
Distribution: This indigenous tree is found on all islands except Kaho’o lawe.
Cultural Uses: Leaves for weaving mats, sails, thatch. Fruit for leis, dye brushes. Roots for cordage, medicine.
Landscape Uses and Care: Used as specimen trees in full sun. Hardy plant , daily watering O.K. A definite must have.
Extra Info: There four types of Hala recognized by Hawaiians based on the color of their fruit: common hala with yellow fruit, hala ‘ula with orange fruit, hala lihilihi ‘ula with red fruits that fade to yellow below and hala pia with small, pale yellow fruit.
Hala