Alika's Palolo garden

No two people inspire me to be in the garden and to love plants like my big brother, Alika, and my dad. They both seem to have a natural connection to and appreciation for plants, especially ones that are native to Hawaii; Polynesian-introduced; or ones that have been introduced for different reasons throughout the decades and integrated into the local culture.

One of the best loved Hawaiian plants is kalo or taro. Alika has many varieties in his Palolo garden. There are hundreds of varieties in the islands. The plant was a staple for Hawaiians diet- and culture-wise. It is still an integral part of a Hawaiians' identities (my family and I are Hawaiian). This one's leaves are bunched up in places so that it looks like there are caterpillars on it.

Kalo, with its heart-shaped leaves, is naturally attractive, but this dark variety is striking.

 
This one has a similar purposeful bunching of the leaves. Dad called it scrambled eggs.


Variegation is always pretty. This paint-splatter type is dramatic.


Underneath a kalo leaf which seems to still be unfurling. You can eat the kalo leaf and the corm. They are two of my favorites foods to eat. Alika gave me some leftover kalo and it made the best breakfast.

Alika also has papaya including this type (from SE Asia, I think) that is pretty short and has giant fruit. Papayas grow quickly and will bear fruit soon after being established. Is that avocado in the foreground?

I think these are the remnants of 'olena, a native type of turmeric also related to ginger, I think. Banana trunks have a similar pattern when cut.

I like this colorful marigold. Dad was always keeping marigolds around as a natural way to keep away insects too.

Visiting Alika, he made us a giant feast with ingredients that came from his beautiful island valley garden. My life would be complete with everyday-acess to kalo, papaya, 'olena, bananas.

Alika's garden is the best!