Mokihana berries forming at Kanaio Natural Area Reserve, Maui; photo by Forest & Kim Starr (USGS)/ Plants of Hawaii / Rutaceae > Melicope sp. (melicope). Image use permitted with attribution.
Island of Kaua'i Official Lei Material
The mokihana from the native tree (pelea anisata) was designated the official island lei material of Kaua'i in 1988. The mokihana is a native citrus tree. Other common names for mokihana berry: alani, alani kuahiwi, mokehana.
The leathery anise-scented fruit must be strung within a few hours of picking. Hawaiian women and men both wear the strung berries as leis and the anise-scented twigs and berries were once a favorite perfume (placed between the folds of tapa cloths).
Mokihana belongs to the genus Pelea, derived from the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, (Melicope Pele). Native to Kaua'i Island of Hawa'i, the mokihana grows to a height of 6 to 25 feet in moist to wet forests at elevations from 1,200 to 4,000 feet.
Island Flowers & Lei Materials
In addition to Hawaii's state flower, each Hawaiian island also designates an official island color and an official flower or lei material; Hawai'i - 'Ōhi'a Lehua; Maui - lokelani (pink Damask rose); O'ahu - pua 'ilima; Kaua'i - mokihana berry; Moloka'i - Pua Kukui (blossom of candlenut tree); Lana'i - kauna'oa (native dodder); Ni'ihau - pupu (tiny seashells); and Kaho'olawe - hinahina (native beach heliotrope).
