Bird of Paradise, or crane flower as it is sometimes known, is native to the southern and eastern parts
of the Cape Province and northern Natal in South Africa, where it grows wild on river banks and in
scrub clearings in coastal areas. The type found at Kamaole Sands is the orange flowering Bird of
Paradise, Strelitzia reginae, a trunkless evergreen clump with banana shaped stiff- leathery, concave,
oblong, bluish-gray leaves. The flower is about 6 inches long with orange sepals and blue petals
looking like a "tongue". At one time it was classified in the banana family. Bird of Paradise prefers full
sun and moderate humidity around 60%. Overwatering will lead to root rot, while overfertilizing will
lead to lack of blooms. Bird of Paradise can be grown from seed. The offspring, however, will have
variable characteristics and can take four to 10 years or more to flower. Seed must be fresh (less than
six months old) and, because of the hard seed coat, must be scraped with a file, just enough to break
the seed coat. Lightly press the seeds into a moistened seed starting mix, cover with plastic to main-
tain a high level of humidity, and place in indirect light. Bird of Paradise prefers full sun but will tolerate
lower light levels, such as that received from a south facing window. They prefer moderate relative
humidity, around 60 percent, which may require daily misting during the dry winter months. If placed
outside in the summer, bring them indoors when temperatures begin to drop below 60° F. Find bird-of-
paradise at the makai side of Building Seven near the Bird-of-Paradise Grill, and throughout the
grounds.

Ti (Hawaiian Good-Luck Plant)

The ti plant (Cordyline terminalis) is one of the most colorful foliage plants, and ranges from green to
pink to deep maroon. It is a native of tropical southeastern Asia, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia,
northeastern Australia, Indian Ocean and parts of Polynesia. The ti plant's starchy rhizomes, which
are very sweet when the plant is mature, were eaten as food or as medicine, and its leaves were used
to thatch the roofs of houses, and to wrap and store food. Ti leaves were also used to make items of
clothing including skirts worn in dance performances. The Hawaiian hula skirt is a dense skirt, an
opaque layer of at least 50 green leaves with the bottom (top of the leaves) shaved flat. In ancient
Hawai'i, Ti was thought to have great spiritual power; only high priests and chiefs were able to wear
leaves around their necks during certain ritual activities. Ti leaves were also used to make fiber and
cloth, and to outline borders between properties. To this day some Hawaiians plant Ti near their
houses to bring good luck. Many of the entry gardens in front of each condominium building contain
ti.

Torch Ginger (Bunga Kantan, Wax Flower, Porcelain Flower)

Is it fake or is it real? The pretty pink bud is not only exotic and beautiful, it is edible. A native of the
tropical rain forests of Malaysia, Phaeomeria speciosa or Etlingera elatior, this tropical flower can
reach a height of 15 feet and a spread of 5 feet. The foliage is dark, glossy green on top and maroon
underneath, which adds to the ornamental beauty of this ginger. Each huge, bright pink, wax-like 6"
inflorescence, grows on its own stalk, which can reach a height of 5 feet, making it easy to use as a
cut flower. Etlingeras prefer partial shade and can be propagated from suckers. Within two years of
planting a sucker, it will start producing inflorescences.

Torch ginger should be planted in full sun to part shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It likes ample
water. It is easy to grow from seeds and can be wintered indoors in cold climes. The plant requires
two years of growth in humid warm climate for its profuse flowering. In Malaysia, the young flower
buds of this plant are used in a spicy dish, laksah. It is also used as a vegetable in Southern Thailand.
The new shoots are often sliced and pickled.

Croton

Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) with their colorful, glossy evergreen foliage and variation of leaf
types are one of the most popular plants in Hawaii. It is a native of the tropics from Java to
Australia and the South Sea Islands, and is sometimes called by the old-fashioned common name,
Joseph`s Coat. Crotons may attain a height of 8-10 feet, and given time, may grow into small trees.
They tend to produce the heaviest foliage at the top of the plant. Crotons develop their best leaf
colors when planted in shifting sun. Plants placed in shade or semi-shade tend to develop a large
amount of green color. Both individual leaves and entire branches can be used in floral designs.
Crotons were used many years ago, not as a potted plant, but in colorful arrangements in hotels'
interiors in Florida and other vacation spots. They come in many shapes and a rainbow of colors:
reds, pinks, yellows, rust, orange, even some purples to name a few. Crotons are unique in that it
is possible to root only the leaves. These rooted leaves can be planted into low coffee table
arrangements that add color and last for two to three months. When a croton leaf is punctured, it
will leak a white sap. This sap can stain clothes and irritate some people’s skin.

There is a croton hedge along the entry beds at Building Seven. You will find them throughout the
Kamaole Sands landscape. Look for the narrow-leaf varieties of croton scattered throughout the
property.

Queen Emma Giant Spider Lily

The giant spider lily, Crinum augustum 'Queen Emma', has very fragrant flowers with long, narrow,
spidery petals that are white, tipped with purple. It is said that this lily was a favorite of Emma
Kalanikaumakaamano Naea Rooke, Queen Consort of Hawaii(January 2, 1836 - April 25, 1885).
However, some have suggested that Queen Emma probably never saw a Queen Emma Lily in her
lifetime, much less grew them. The lilies she referred to were all white. Over the years, the Giant
Spider Lily lost favor and was phased out of landscapes. However, they are big and fill a lot of space
with a minimum of care, so they continue to be used. The plant blooms almost continuously with
large sunbursts of star-shaped flowers. The plant is valued for its sword-like, dramatic upright dark
burgundy and green foliage. They grow easily from root offshoots or from seed, and seem to thrive
in hot, dry areas as well as rain forests. It grows to 8 feet tall, and about 5 feet wide. Some large
specimens are very expensive. The Giant Spider Lily makes a fine container plant. Its one drawback
is that it is poisonous. Find the Giant Spider Lily in the central courtyard and some entry beds.

Bougainvillea

The Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) is considered one of Kamaole Sands' most beautiful
flowering plants. It is immensely showy with its brilliant hues and profuse, cheerful bursts, and
rewards us with an abundance of color and vitality. Its long arching branches are thorny, and bear
heart-shaped leaves. The thorns are tipped with a black, waxy substance that is easily left in the
flesh of an unsuspecting victim. Because of the aggressive growth of hardened thorns and prolific
branches, this plant is ideal as a natural barrier for security applications. The actual flower of the
plant is small and generally white, but each cluster of three flowers is surrounded by three or six
bracts with the bright colors associated with the plant, including pink, magenta, purple, lavender,
carmine, scarlet, red, orange, white, or yellow. It is virtually pest-free and disease resistant. The
bougainvillea's versatility is legendary. It can be coaxed into a small manageable pot plant, a
bonsai, a topiary, a trellis vine, or a sizable shrub or small tree. It makes one of the best hedges,
bushes, and curb-liners. Witness the beautiful hedges at the entrance to Kamaole Sands.
Bougainvillea are rapid growing and flower all year in warm climates, especially when pinched or
pruned. They grow best in moist fertile soil. Bloom cycles are typically four to six weeks. Bougain-
villea grow best in very bright full sun and with frequent fertilization, but the plant requires little
water to flower. Native to the coasts of Brazil, bougainvillea has a high salt tolerance, which makes
it a natural choice for coastal regions. It was discovered in 1768 in Rio de Janeiro by French
naturalist Dr. Philibert Commerçon, who named the plant after his close friend and ship's admiral
Louis-Antoine de Bougainville. Currently, there are over 300 varieties of bougainvillea around the
world. Find these wonderful plants in the entry driveway, the central courtyard, the pool recreational
area, and numerous other spots.

Philodendron

Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants from the arum family (Araceae), consisting of close
to 1000 or more species. Taxonomically it is still poorly known with many undescribed species. Many
species still remain to be discovered in the rainforests, forming the most genetically rich and diverse
ecosystems on the planet. Many are grown as ornamental and indoor plants. The name derives from
the Greek philo or "love" and dendron or "tree". Under good conditions, they will bear "flowers"
(inflorescences) that resemble Calla lilies, and have spathes of purple, pink, red or greenish-white.
The central columns that bear the tiny flowers (spadices) can either be yellow, cream or white. They
are often fragrant.

Tree philodendron (also called split leaf philodendron) grows as a large semiwoody shrub with
enormous glossy leaves and a single erect unbranched stem that tends to fall over and sprawl when
the plant gets large. The 3-foot long leaves of Monstera deliciosa are deeply dissected into many
wavy-margined lobes and held on long petioles. The inflorescence consists of a 1 foot long purplish
red spathe enclosing an upright spadix with many tiny petalless flowers. Tree philodendron can get
as large as 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide with a stem 6 inches or more in diameter. Tree philodendron
grows best in fairly moist, well drained, fertile soil in dappled or partial shade. It requires little care
except occasional grooming should lower leaves become discolored, and watering in times of dry
weather. It is somewhat salt-tolerant. All parts of the Monstera deliciosa plant are poisonous except
the totally ripe fruits. The plant contains oxalic acid and asparagine, and even the ripe fruits may be
an irritant to particularly sensitive people. The sap will irritate the skin. They are among the best
houseplants for removing toxins from the air.

Split-leaf philodendrons are found throughout the property, including the waterfall area.

Cardboard Palm

Zamia furfuracea, a throwback to the dinosaur age, is a cycad native to the East coast of Mexico. It
is salt resistant and can be used in beachside plantings. Large outdoor clumps are striking as the
light olive green new growth emerges to hover above a base of darker mature leaves. It grows very
slowly when young, but its growth accelerates after the trunk matures. Including the leaves, the
whole plant typically grows to perhaps four feet tall with a width of about seven feet. All parts of the
plant, and especially the seeds, are poisonous to animals and humans, with no known treatment.
You can find cardboard palms near the bridge by the waterfall.

Rainbow Tree

Although our Dracaena marginata "Tricolor" plants may look palm-like, it is in the same family as
the popular Yucca plant. Dracaena marginata is a member of the ancient dragon tree family. The
Tricolor cultivar was first found in Japan, and was developed in Puerto Rico and Florida, and was
first sold in 1973. The dramatic, multi-colored sword-like leaves are striped with a cream center
between green with rosy-red margins. This slow growing plant eventually reaches about 15 feet in
height under good conditions. Whether grown in bold groups or as an attractive indoor plant,
Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’ is one of those must have foliage plants that looks spectacular in
every season. Tricolor makes a wonderful houseplant or container specimen. It will grow well in
varied light conditions. Two or more branches form after pruning a stem. This technique can be
used to increase the density of the plant. This can be beneficial since lower leaves drop from the
stems as the plant grows taller leaving the bottom of the plant bare. Cut one or two of the stems
to a point where new foliage is needed. Several weeks later, new growth emerges from this point.
Find our Tricolor cultivars at the lower pond as well as the upper waterfall near the pond.

Night-Blooming Jasmine (Lady of the Night, Queen of the Night, Night-Blooming
Jessamine, Raat ki Rani)

Cestrum nocturnum, a member of the nightshade family, is native to tropical America and the West
Indies. It is a sprawling evergreen woody shrub with simple green, glossy leaves growing to about
13 feet tall. The flowers, which are greenish-white, release their pungent scent at night. Night
blooming jessamine blooms periodically throughout warm weather. The fruit is a toxic white berry,
which if ingested, can cause respiratory difficulties, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, excess
salivation and gastritis. It has become widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions through-
out the world, including Australia, New Zealand, southern China and southernmost United States. It
is difficult to eradicate, and is classed as an invasive weed in some countries. Some people,
especially those with respiratory sensitivities or asthma, report difficulty breathing, irritation of the
nose and throat, headache, nausea, or other symptoms when exposed to the blossom's powerful
scent. The plant has a traditional entheogenic or shamanic use in Nepal.

Crepe Jasmine (Carnation of India, Pinwheel Flower)

Crepe jasmine, native to tropical areas of India, is a beautifully shaped evergreen shrub which
grows in a symmetrical mound of glossy foliage 4-10 feet high. Tabermontana divaricata is known
for its many branches that tend to grow almost parallel to the ground, giving crepe jasmine an
attractive horizontal appearance. As it is a member of the Apocynaceae family, the stems of crepe
jasmine exude a milky latex when broken. The large shiny leaves are deep green and are 6 or
more inches in length and about 2 inches in width. Crepe jasmine blooms in spring but flowers
may appear sporadically all year. The waxy blossoms are white five-petaled pinwheels that are
borne in small clusters on the stem tips.

Crepe jasmine makes an ideal plant for screens or enclosures. It is a moderate grower
which makes it a good plant for new gardens, especially shady ones where it provides structure
and form. Try to enjoy crepe jasmine in the evening when their delightful fragrance, reminiscent of
mock orange, is most apparent. Incidentally, crepe jasmine is not related to the true jasmines. In some
forms of Thai medicine, pinwheel jasmine is apparently used as an analgesic and sedative, and in
both South America and Africa, extracts of the plants are used as stimulants. You may find a
solitary crepe jasmine near the maikai end of Building Ten in an entry bed.

Ixora (Flame-of-the-Woods, Jungle Flame, Jungle Geranium, Needle Flower, West Indian
Jasmine)

Ixora coccinea, native to tropical southeast Asia, including southern India and Sri Lanka, is an
attractive, acid-loving plant along with hibiscus, gardenia, and citrus. When grown under proper
conditions, ixora has dark green glossy leaves and abundant, colorful flower clusters that bloom
year round. Its flowers have some medicinal uses. The name in Hawaiian is popo-lehua which
means ball of pom-poms. All acid-loving plants will require regular fertilization management with
a pH of around 5. For this reason, they should not be planted close to concrete foundations or
sidewalks. Ixora like an annual early spring pruning to keep the plant flowering. Frequent pruning
that shears off the tips of the branches should be avoided as it removes emerging flower buds .

Ixora is commonly kept between 3 and 6 feet high but they are capable of growing much higher.
It is a wonderful addition to any garden and should be used more. It is one of the most prolific
bloomers, and serves as a great landscape plant, a specimen/accent for patio or a container. It is
even used for sculpturing bonsai. Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and
other nectar-seeking insect pollinators. (Often kids will pick the tube shaped flower and suck the
very sweet nectar from their bases.) Ixora makes a wonderful cut flower for vases or floral
arrangements. Find an ixora hedge next to the south sidewalk leading to the pool.

Maylasian Draceana (Pleomele)

Draceana reflexa "Song of India" grows in the shadiest nooks and crannies of Kamaole Sands as
a small shrub 4 to 7 feet tall. Left to its own devices outdoors in a subtropical climate such as its
native Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius. it can grow into a rather peculiar tree over 30 feet in
height! You can recognize this draceana by its bright yellow variegation.

Dracaenas are one of the plants used in the NASA Clean Air Study and has shown to help remove
formaldehyde from the air. Dracaenas may be grown indoors in low to moderate light areas away
from direct sun. It is slow-growing and upright in habit, tending to an oval shape with an open crown.
It tolerates infrequent waterings. The flowers are small, clustered, and usually white, appearing in
mid winter. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are especially showy. Dracaenas are easy to propagate
by air layering.

Traditional medical practitioners of Madagascar have long believed Dracaena reflexa to cure
malaria symptoms, poisoning, dysentary, diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. Its leaves and bark are
mixed with parts of a number of other native plants and brewed into a herbal tea.

Umbrella Sedge (Umbrella Palm, Umbrella Plant)

Cyperus involucratus (also called Cyperus alternifolius) is closely related to the grasses, including
papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) from which the ancient Egyptians made paper. It is widely cultivated in
water gardens and as a potted plant. It grows up to 6 feet high in Hawaii. Native to several islands
off the east coast of Africa (Madagascar, Mauritius, and Reunion Island), the umbrella plant has been
extensively spread by people and is now widely naturalized in the tropics, especially in South
America and the West Indies. Each stem (culm) is triangular and is topped by 12 to 20 leafy bracts
that droop in all directions from the stem apex giving the distinct appearance of an umbrella. Although
the plant may be propagated by seed, it is just as easily propagated by submerging the stem apex in
water until roots sprout beneath its leaves. The plant requires a lot of water and can stand a saturated
soil. Clusters of small greenish flowers (that are not attractive) grow from the center of the disk.
Flowers are followed by small fruits that mature to dark brown.

The leaves, blossoms and seeds can be irritating to some people. In fact, some people begin to itch
just sitting near the plant. The plant is also known as an invasive plant as it continues to sprout new
growth as long as any remnant remains in the soil. The plant has a very strong will to live, as
witnessed by its fronds jumping out of the trash bin and taking root on concrete. Well, not really, but
you get the point.

The plant does best in partial sun and sitting in water. It also makes a wonderful houseplant

'Uki 'uki

Dianella sandwichensis (Lillaceae), a native Hawaiian clump-forming perenial herb in the lily family,
grows in a blue container by the north gate of the pool. It is found on all the main Hawaiian islands
except for Ni‘ihau and Kaho‘olawe. It grows on lava and is also found in wet forest, lightly shaded
places, dry shrub land, and at elevations of up to 5000 feet. The juice of its blue berries were used
as a dye for kapa cloth. The long, waxy green leaves were used for thatching houses. The leaves
and roots were also used for cordage. The berries also made attractive seed leis. It can have bright
blue to white flowers with contrasting yellow stamens. It enjoys full sun and grows to 3 feet tall. In
Honolulu, the Bishop Museum is restoring a 200-year-old grass house, the last surviving example
of its kind, using pili grass thatching lashed onto the wood frame using 'Uki'uki. Until recently, the
cordage had not been made in Hawaii for over 100 years.

Variegated Shell Ginger

Variegated shell ginger is a tall and dramatic landscape or container plant. The leaves grow to about
2 feet long and 6 inches across and are strikingly variegated with irregular stripes of green and
yellow. The flowers are white, tipped in pink, and borne in long pendant arches. The individual flowers
are reminiscent of small seashells, which accounts for the common name "shell ginger". Typically,
variegated shell ginger grows to about 6 feet tall, while the non-variegated species (Alpinia zerumbet)
can grow to as much as 12 feet tall.

Alpinia zerumbet is a native of India, but the species has been naturalized in Brazil and Florida. It is
tolerant of a wide range of light conditions from light shade to full sun, so long as there is adequate
moisture. Part shade is ideal for this plant. Rich, fertile, organic soil is best and regular feeding with a
balanced fertilizer will keep this plant healthy.

Alpinias grow from thick fleshy roots called "rhizomes", similar in appearance to the "ginger root"
found in grocery stores. Variegated shell ginger is best used as a specimen plant in partly shaded
areas or as a container plant on a shaded patio. Many plants in the ginger family have culinary or
medicinal uses. This ginger is not commonly used that way but the leaves and roots do contain the
chemicals kavain and dehydrokavain, similar to the kava plant (Piper methysticum) which is known
for its relaxing properties. The ground leaves of Alpinia zerumbet have been sold as both an anti-
hypertension and anti-stress medication.

Hibiscus (Rosemallow)

The tropical hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae or mallow family, whose relatives include the rose-of-
sharon, the hardy hibiscus grown in the north, okra, cotton, the Confederate Rose,and hollyhock.
Hibiscus originated in Asia and the Pacific islands. It is closely associated with Hawaii as the state
flower for Hawaii is a native species of hibiscus, H. brackenridgei. Although there are six basic colors
of flowers (red, orange, yellow, white, lavender, and brown), there are thousands of shades and com-
binations of colors (except true blue or black). Some varieties have blossoms 2" in diameter and
others, 10-12". Some of the flowers are singles, while others are double. Some bloom almost every
day.

Real interest in Hawaii developed around the turn of the century. Some plants probably came from
China and were crossed with native Hawaiian species. The Chinese hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
L., is probably the most popular and widely planted shrub of the tropics. Dried hibiscus is edible, and
is often a delicacy in Mexico. The hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Hawaiian women with a
single flower tucked behind the ear.

Most hibiscus varieties, which are generally odorless, have one-day flowers; the blossoms open early
in the morning and wilt late that afternoon. Flowers of a few varieties remain open for two days.
Although individual flowers do not last long, the flowering season is nearly all year.

Generally, one-half day of direct sunlight is the minimum requirement for good blooming, although the
amount of sun required for optimal hibiscus growth and flowering differs with variety. Hibiscus require
well-drained soils. Heavy pruning is done in the early spring (February or March) and should not be
done late in the fall or in the winter. Hibiscus blooms are produced on new growth.

The roots of white hibiscus are considered to have medicinal properties in the Indian traditional
system of medicine, Ayurveda. The red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is used in Southern India for
hair care purposes such as preventing hair-fall and dandruff. It is also used to make hair-protective
oils. Soak the leaves and flowers in water and use a mortar and pestle to make a paste for a shampoo.
The petals can be used to cure fever while its roots are used to cure cough. Children in the Philippines
often use the crushed flowers and leaves to produce sticky juices that can be used to blow bubbles.

Aloe Vera (Medicinal Aloe, Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe,
First Aid Plant)

Aloe vera is a species of stemless, succulent plant that grows to about 39 inches tall. The green to
grey-green leaves are thick, fleshy and serrated. Flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to
35 inches tall. It probably originated in arid sections of Africa (Northern or Southern, depending on
the particular source) and the Mediterranean region. The natural range of Aloe vera is unclear, as
the species has been widely cultivated throughout the world. The species is frequently cited as being
used in herbal medicine, and over eighty uses have been catalogues. Many scientific studies of the
use of aloe vera have been undertaken, some of them conflicting. Despite these limitations, there is
some preliminary evidence that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and
elevated blood lipids in humans. Roman Literature and Ancient Sumerian records mention aloe.
Egyptian Queen Cleopatra reportedly used aloe as a beauty aid for her skin. As far back as 1750 B.C
clay tablets were written about the medicinal properties of aloe vera, especially in relation to skin
diseases and burns. Today, people use aloe for intestinal tract ailments, heartburn, for its anti-oxidant
properties, obesity problems, scrapes and burns, skin diseases and irritations, frostbite, acne, simple
dry skin, as an immune booster, improving regularity, colitis, as an inflammatory and analgesic for
joint and muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Aloe is known as the plant of immortality to the Egyptians. Americans call it the wand of heaven. It
has even been dubbed a miracle doctor. The best thing about aloe vera juice is that it's completely
safe and extremely versatile. You can add it to your smoothies, juice, iced tea, almost any drink you
can think of and you can get all the health benefits any time.Aloe grows in the Pool Recreational Area
and near the south side of Building Five.

Fairy Fan Flower

Scaevola aemula "Purple Fanfare" is the beautiful evergreen herbaceous perennial planted in some
of the containers in the pool area. Its thick, coarsely toothed, oblong, 2 inch leaves on erect and
sprawling stems host a myriad of ever-blooming purple flowers. The plant forms a mound up to 20
inches tall and spreading 3 feet across. Depending on the cultivar, fairy fanflower produces masses
of blue, lilac or white flowers with yellow throats on open spikes throughout the spring and summer,
and in Hawai, even longer. The flowers are about 1 inch across and the five petals are in a half circle,
all on one side, which makes them look like little hand fans.

It is wonderful when used above a wall or as a hanging basket. At Kamaole Sands, you can find it in

the Pool Recreational Area. Fairy Fan Flower is native to sandy, coastal areas in eastern Australia. It
often grows on coastal dunes.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, evergreen perennial herb with very fragrant needle-
leaves. It is native to Mediterranean region. Its name means "dew of the sea" because it is frequently
found growing near the sea. The plant takes many forms from upright to trailing, and can be shaped
into topiary. Rosemary blooms year-round in tropical regions. It stands some degree of drought and is
extremely easy to grow. Simply cut off a shoot 4-6 inches long, strip a few leaves off, and stick it in the
ground. You can find rosemary in the central courtyard near the triangular concrete planter with night-
blooming jasmine and Dwarf Lily-of-the-Nile between Buildings Two and Three. There is also a
container of rosemary in the pool recreational area.

The fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The bitter,
astringent taste complements a wide variety of foods. It can be used to flavor foods while barbecuing.
Rosemary is extremely high in iron, calcium and Vitamin B6. Traditionally, rosemary was used to treat
gout. Rosemary has a very old reputation for improving memory, and has been used as a symbol for
remembrance (during weddings, war commemorations and funerals) in Europe and Australia. In the
Middle Ages, during wedding ceremonies, the bride would wear a rosemary headpiece and the
groom and wedding guests would all wear a sprig of rosemary. The couple would plant a branch of
rosemary on their wedding day. If the branch grew it was a good omen for the union and family.

Rosemary contains carnosic acid that may shield the brain from free radicals and lower the risk of
stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Other uses include:
•    regulating blood pressure
•    energy
•    feeling of well-being
•    stimulation of circulation
•    boosting the health of the heart
•    antidepressant
•    tonic for the nerves
•    diuretic
•    depression and apathy
•    migraines (associated with nervous tension)

Some people may be allergic to topical preparations with rosemary, and the essential oil has been
linked to a few reported cases of epileptic seizures. Large doses of rosemary are potentially toxic.
To make an herbal tea, pour hot water over about one-quarter cup of fresh leaves and stems, and
let stand five minutes.

Heliconia is a genus of about 100 to 200 species of flowering shrubs native to the Pacific Ocean islands
west to Indonesia and the tropical Americas. The growth habit is similar to bananas to which they are
related. Heliconias are valued for the florist's trade and as landscape plants due to their beautiful, brilliant
flowering bracts arising from their banana-like leaves. Their height may on some species vary from as
small as 2 feet to 25 feet depending on variety.

The flowers are actually highly modified leaves and bracts. Some Heliconia are an excellent choice for
container plants that can be grown indoors for the winter and moved outdoors for the spring and summer.
There is a large group of heliconias at the entrance to the Reception Area.

Parakeet Heliconia (Parrot's Beak, Parrot's Flower, Parrot's Tongue, Popokaytongo)

Heliconia psittacorum is a beautiful tropical foliage plant with boldly yellow-striped green foliage that grows in a
bold clump 3' to 5' tall. and blooms all year long in Hawaii It grows in full sun to 40% shade. It is native to Costa
Rica and Columbia. In its May to July blooming period, it produces flamboyant orange and yellow flowers like a
small-scale bird-of-paradise. Psittacorum needs bright light and rich, well-drained soil. Among the many cultivars
of Heliconia psittacorum, the Heliconia psittacorum Parakeet Flower is the most popular because of its multi-
colored flowers and ease of growing. Its reedlike stems are long and pointed banana-like green leaves that show
a coppery sheen, red edge, and with midribs that are either ivory or pink in color. The greenish yellow flowers
of the true flower is tubular in shape and is fused in appearance with colors ranging from yellow, red, orange or
green. The dark spot at the tip of each flower give the flower the look of a parrot’s tongue. The flowers are used
in many floral arrangements, and the plant make a terrific container plant, where it reaches three feet in height.

Natal Plum (Carissa)

The carissa is a vigorous, dense, closely branched spiny evergreen native to the coastal region of Natal, South
Africa, and was introduced into Hawaii in 1905. Over the next few years it was extensively distributed throughout
the islands. Although this shrub may grow as high as 20 feet, it is usually kept much lower. The dark glossy green
leaves are ovate, thick and leathery, and arranged in opposing pairs. Forked spines, about 1-2 inches long arm the
branches and the ends of the twigs. Natal plum produces an abundance of white starlike flowers with five thick and
waxy petals as well as fruit any time of the year. The flowers are about 2 inches across and sweetly fragrant, like
orange blossoms, especially at night. Some plants bear flowers that are functionally male, larger than normal and
with larger anthers, and stamens much longer than the style. Functionally female flowers have stamens the same
length as the style and small anthers without pollen. The shrub thrives in dry, rocky terrain in Hawaii and has
moderate drought tolerance and high resistance to soil salinity and salt spray. The plant does well in containers and
makes an excellent choice for bonsai. All parts of Natal plum are poisonous except for the ripe fruits. Some sources
even state that the seeds massed in the center are poisonous.

The edible fruit, which tastes like sweet cranberries, must be fully ripe, dark-red and slightly soft to the touch to be
eaten raw. It can be eaten whole, without peeling or seeding, out-of-hand. It can be sliced or quartered for fruit
salads, added to gelatins and used as a topping for cakes, puddings and ice cream. Carissas can be cooked to a
sauce or used in pies and tarts. Stewing or boiling causes the latex to leave the fruit and adhere to the pot (which
must not be aluminum), but this can be easily removed by rubbing with cooking oil. Carissas are preserved whole
by pricking, cooking briefly in a sugar sirup and sterilizing in jars. Peeled or unpeeled, they are made into jam,
other preserves, sirup or sweet pickles.

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum capense is an evergreen plant found in mass plantings throughout the Kamaole Sands gardens as
it adapts to a wide variety of low and medium light requirements. It comes from South Africa. Spider plants have
long narrow leaves about 8–15 inches long which grow from a central rosette. At the spot where a leaf would
normally develop a node, these plants will produce adventitious roots down into the soil, and new above-ground
shoots. It also produces branched stolens with small white flowers and easily rooted pups (baby spider plants). It
makes a popular houseplant and raised container plant. Spider plants have also been shown to reduce indoor air
pollution.

Day Blooming Jasmine

Many people who visit the West Indies and tropical America have marveled at the heavily fragrant flowers of the Day Blooming Jasmine. We have a specimen between Buildings Eight and Nine, near the BBQ. Day Blooming Jasmines grow to 12 feet or more, and ours has been trimmed into a small tree. It has evergreen, glossy, 5-inch long, lance-shaped, light-green leaves with a pale midrib. Its narrow, tubular, white flowers are produced in clusters and are heavily fragrant in daytime.The plant produces copious round, 3/8-inch fruit that are violet at first but turn black at maturity. The fruit should be considered poisonous to humans, but birds have no ill effect. The pungent flowers have caused respiratory difficulty to some people but the prime offender in this respect is the related night-blooming jessamine, Cestrum nocturnum. Some people find the pungent, somewhat chocolate-like odor objectionable while others consider it to be pleasant.

Canna (Canna Lily, Indian Shot)

Cannas, which are tropical and subtropical plants with large, banana-like leaves, are native to Asia and Latin America and grow from two feet to over eight feet in height, depending on variety.  The name, Indian Shot, comes from their hard, pea-like seeds. Somewhat tubular and lily like, Canna flowers come in shades and combinations of yellow, orange, red and pink and are borne on tall stalks coming out of the foliage.

Our canna are planted at the Kiddie Pool, and form a colorful if not bold separation between the Kiddie Pool and the rest of the Pool Recreational Area. Cannas are often maligned because they are too big, too bold, and too brash. They are also indestructible. They can be macheted to the ground, and in a few weeks, you'll have a vigorous plant, happy and blooming.

Cannas are not true lilies, but they are related to the gingers, bananas andheliconias. Its rhizome boasts one of the world's richest starch sources and its seeds are used as beads in jewelry making. The young seeds may be added to tortillas while mature seeds can be used in gourd rattles or in dyes. The plant yields a fiber from the stem that is a substitute for jute.  The fiber from the leaves can be used for making paper. Cannas have a high tolerance for contaminants and can extract pollutants from wetlands.