Native Plants of Hawai‘i - Dianella sandwicensis

Dianella sandwicensis

Asphodelaceae or Asphodel family

Synonyms: Dianella lavarum, Dianella multipedicellata, Dianella odorata, Dianella sandwicensis var. lavarum, Dianella sandwicensis var. multipedicellata

ʻUkiʻuki

ʻUki

Natural Range & Environment

Endemic [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands] to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island in somewhat open to shaded sites usually in mesic forests, but also dry shrubland, grassland on lava and in wet forests from 120-2,140 m (395-7,020 ft) [Wagner et al. 1990].

ʻUkiʻuki is a wonderful groundcover with beautiful purple fruits. It looks particularly nice under native trees or near native shrubs, and the straplike leaves provide another texture to a landscape. Dark blue rounded fruits and pale blue flowers of "Dianella lavarum" compared with the yellowish flowers and tear-drop shaped fruits of D. sandwicensis.

Description

Perennial with long, narrow leaves. Flowers are pale blue to white with orange filaments and yellow anthers. Up to 25 or more flowers are produced along a 20-45 cm (8-18 in) stalk. Fruits are dark blue, yellow or brownish-yellow with small jet-black glossy seeds. ʻUkiʻuki is flowering and fruiting throughout the year with little or no rest periods.

Growth Requirements

General

ʻUkiʻuki is a great groundcover or accent plant that produces beautiful purple fruits, making it a delightful addition to any landscape or garden. It is incredibly low-maintenance, making it perfect for those looking to add some color and texture without a lot of effort.

ʻUkiʻuki thrives when planted under native trees or near-native shrubs, as its straplike leaves provide a unique texture to the landscape. This plant is highly adaptable to various landscape conditions, from wet to dry, sun to shade, but it truly shines when given some water and shade. Despite this, ʻukiʻuki is also drought-tolerant, making it a versatile and resilient choice for any garden.

When using ʻukiʻuki as a dense groundcover, space the plants about 60 cm (2 ft) apart. To maintain a tidy appearance, trim off any dead leaves, spent flower stalks, or dried fruits. However, leaving them untouched can also create a natural and wild look in your garden.

For potted plants, consider using organic or natural fertilizers at a low dose, around 1/4 of the recommended strength, applied once or twice a month. Once planted in the ground in a permanent location, ʻukiʻuki generally does not require additional fertilizers.

Pests and Diseases

Slugs, snails, and whiteflies can be potential threats. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments.

Uses

Ancient Hawaiian

The leaves were also braided into cordage [Krauss 1993]. Juice extract is used as pale to purple-blue dye when mixed with lime for kapa [Krauss 1993]. Leaves were used for hale (house) thatching [Neal 1965]. Fruit was used for seed lei [Krauss 1993]. Nā Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei uses the term "seed lei" in this particular reference and may refer to the fruit itself, since the context of the sentence also says "the dark purple berries of ʻukiʻuki (Dianella sandwicensis)..." [McDonald & Weissich 2003]. The term "seed lei" usually refers to a lei with seeds strung for permanent lei, such as with wiliwili, lonomea, or kukui.

Modern

Today, ʻukiʻuki fruit is still used as a natural dye for kapa and other clothes [McDonald & Weissich 2003].

The juice from the fruit of ʻukiʻuki was extract was used as a pale to purple-blue dye when mixed with lime for kapa by ancient Hawaiians.

Special Features and Information

General

The genus Dianella has undergone several changes in its classification within the plant family in recent years. Originally classified in the Lily family (Liliaceae), it was later moved to the Daylily family (Hermerocallidaceae) and then to Xanthorrhoeaceae. Currently, Dianella is placed in Asphodelaceae (Asphodel family).

Once considered indigenous, ʻukiʻuki (D. sandwicensis) is now considered endemic and is the only representative of the Asphodel family native to the Hawaiian Islands [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands]. Some botanists have proposed dividing Dianella sandwicensis into three distinct species: Dianella lavarum, D. multipedicellata, and D. sandwicensis. Among these, Dianella lavarum is the most commonly seen and preferred species for landscapes and gardens, while D. sandwicensis is seldom seen in public or private gardens, and D. multipedicellata are scarce and rarely fruit in the wild or in cultivated plants [Joel Lau, Botanist]. Their various habitats, habits, leaves, flowers and fruit among the three do merit consideration. However, we will continue to recognize them collectively as Dianella sandwicensis until or if there are future valid taxonomic changes [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands].

Hawaiian Name

ʻUkiʻuki appears to be reserved for Dianella sandwicensis only, while ʻUki is a name also used for several native sedges. Ukiʻuki is the name most locals use for this plant.

Etymology

The generic name Dianella is from the Roman deity Diana (lit., divine), goddess of chastity, hunting, and the moon, and the Latin ella is diminutive or small [Gledhill 2008]. The specific epithet sandwicensis refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called, and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770s. James Cook named the islands after John Montagu (The fourth Earl of Sandwich) for supporting Cook's voyages [Gledhill 2008].

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