Uses
Ancient Hawaiian
All the formally recognized native species of Wikstroemia in Hawai‘i (currently 12 species) have the common Hawaiian name ‘ākia. And, while according to Pukui & Elbert [1986], some "varieties" were given qualifying adjectives such as lau nui (large leaf), mānalo (sweet, safe from harm), and pehu (swollen), it's currently impossible to attribute ancient species-specific uses to any Hawaiian Wikstroemia species. Therefore, the following is a collection of all the ancient Hawaiian uses of "‘ākia" we were able to find in the literature.
Perhaps the most interesting ancient use of ‘ākia was to catch fish, a process called hola. Hawaiian fishermen, using a nearby rock, would pound the bark and leaves of ‘ākia and then place double handfuls of the mash inside a sheath of coconut leaf or twisted grass. This was then placed under the water, most often in a tidepool but sometimes in deeper water or a stream. Within about ten minutes, the narcotic poison would cause the fish to swim about aimlessly or float to the surface where they were easily collected. Although the ‘ākia poison often killed the fish, it did not taint their flesh, which could be eaten without concern [Degener 1973].
While fish poisoned and caught using ‘ākia were safe to eat, apparently the ‘ākia poison itself was not. Degener [1973] and others state that the poison, while harmless to the touch, was extremely poisonous if eaten. He further describes that a deadly drink, prepared with the root and bark of ‘ākia along with several other plant parts, was used for suicide and the execution of criminals. Supposedly, the person giving the doomed person the poison in a cup called apukoheoheo would sarcastically say, "He wahi mea ola ia" ("This is to keep you alive.").
The strong fibrous bark of many species of Thymelaeaceae have been used worldwide for cordage [Britannica] and ‘ākia in Hawai‘i was no exception. Peterson in Wagner et al. [1990] has an excellent review of Hawaiian Wikstroemia fiber use and strength, where he states: "Species of Wikstroemia have furnished one of the strongest Hawaiian fibers, used in making ropes and braids. It is also said to have been used in making kapa." He goes on to say that measurements made at the Swedish Institute for Textile Research have shown that the fibers from W. oahuensis var. oahuensis branches desiccated for six months were about the same density as that of New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) and ramie (Boehmeria nivea). And, in another study by Beatrice Krauss using traditional Hawaiian methods, cord made from W. oahunesis bark had half the tensile strength of Tossa jute (Corchorus olotorius).
Additional ancient uses of ‘ākia include:
Lamb [1981] claims ‘ākia wood was used as ‘auamo (carrying pole) or beating sticks.
Kamakau [1964], page 126, describes ‘ākia being used in an ‘ana‘ana magic ceremony: "In preparing for the prayer ritual of a kuni ceremony, the kapuahi kuni, the ritual fireplace, was set blazing with ho‘awa and ‘akia with stalks and leaves still green."
ʻĀkia berries were used in lei-making [Abbott 1992; Krauss 1993].
According to Ka‘aiakamanu & Akina [1922], ‘ākia, mixed with several other plant parts, was used as a laxative or to treat asthma.
For the reader interested in the many ancient Hawaiian uses of ‘ākia, Medeiros et al. [1998] provides an extensive review along with a more comprehensive list of ethnobotanical and historical sources than I present here.
Modern
ʻĀkia berries are sometimes used in lei-making [McDonald & Weissich 2003].
Is ʻĀkia Poisonous?
The short answer, given the recorded uses described above, is "Yes, you should always consider ‘ākia poisonous," and always treat it appropriately, particularly when making planting decisions (e.g., not a smart choice for landscaping a daycare or childrens' playground). However, what do we really know about the toxicity of ‘ākia? Well, unfortunately, I (Koebele) was unable to find any comprehensive scientific study on the toxicity of Hawaiian Wikstroemia and nearly all the recorded "data" on this subject is anecdotal. Most scientific investigations of Wikstroemia chemistry have been conducted on the non-Hawaiian species W. indica and have focused on its potential pharmacological uses.
Handy & Handy [1972], page 214, describe two types of ‘ākia: an “‘Akia ‘awa (bitter ‘akia). A shrub that bears orange-red fruits. Decoctions of bark and roots are deadly poisonous, and were used for killing and suicide” and “‘Akia manalo (mild ‘akia). Not poisonous; the bark and leaves were used as a narcotic.” Unfortunately, while their description of ‘Akia ‘awa (i.e., orange-red fruits) corresponds with Hawaiian Wikstroemia species, Handy & Handy do not provide a description of ‘Akia manalo.
Neal [1965], page 616, states without citation that "No part of the plant has been found to be poisonous to mammals" in her description of Wikstroemia. Similarly, Arnold [1944], pages 58 & 59, describes personally eating ‘ākia fruits and leaves and feeding an alcohol extract of bark to two guinea pigs without any ill effects to himself or the animals. Arnold concluded that "the plant is not as poisonous as it is commonly reputed to be, and it is easily possible—indeed, the writer considers it likely—that it is not poisonous at all."
More recently, Medeiros et al. [1998] notes that "the fruit is slightly bitter but eaten by birds"; however, the "foliage may be poisonous or at least unpalatable to cattle as it is almost never browsed." Rick Barbosa, co-owner of Hui Ku Maoli Ola, states, "I’ve also seen birds eat the fruits daily with no ill effects and the fruit taste so bad that any human who put it in their mouth would immediately spit it out, you can trust me on that, its terrible" [Hui Ku Maoli Ola]. Lastly, Nagata [1992] refers to the work of Dr. Frank Tabrah on the toxicity of Wikstroemia pulcherrima (to date, I've been unable to find this study). According to Nagata, Tabrah found that W. plucherrima caused mice to go to sleep, and that the toxicity of W. plucherrima varied from high to zero even in the same plant at different times.
