ALAALAWAINUI OR PEPEROMIA
Peperomia sp.—Pepper Family (Piperaceae)

Although related, the peperomia is not the plant from which commercial black pepper is obtained. This small, succulent-like plant is common along the moist trailsides in Kipuka Puaulu and other areas near Kilauea. The leaves grow in groups of twos, opposing one another, with two pairs radiating in such a manner that four leaves seem to originate at the same point along the stem. The flowers are extremely small, and are borne on a stalk which is often several inches long. The plants were used for making a gray dye used on tapa cloth. About twelve species occur near Kilauea, but they are very difficult to distinguish without a microscope.

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PAWALE OR GIANT DOCK
Rumex giganteus—Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae)

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Dock or sorrel is a common plant throughout the world. About 150 kinds are known. At least three of these are found in Hawaii National Park, but the only native plant is the pawale, which is illustrated. The others were introduced, probably in cattle feed. The leaves of the giant dock are shiny, with conspicuous veining. An outstanding feature is the presence of the seeds in a clump or head at the top of the plant. The flowers are inconspicuous and bear no petals. Degener states that the Hawaiians made a medicine from the bark of the root to treat certain skin diseases.

Haleakala's Paliku cabin is nestled beneath a sheer pali. STOY

ULEI OR HAWAIIAN HAWTHORNE
Osteomeles anthyllidifolia—Rose Family (Rosaceae)

The ulei has clustered, white flowers like those of the apple, to which it is related. The plant ranges in size from a small shrub a foot or less in height to a tree 10 or more feet tall. The small leaflets are long-oval with a prominent midvein, and grow opposite one another along the leaf stalks. The fruits, which are whitish in color, each contain five seeds. The plant grows on relatively dry lava flows between 2,000 and 4,000 feet. The tough but pliable wood of the ulei was shaped by the Hawaiians into a hoop for keeping the mouths of fish nets open.

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AKALA OR HAWAIIAN RASPBERRY
Rubus hawaiensis—Rose Family (Rosaceae)

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Look for the Hawaiian raspberry in Kipuka Puaulu on the slopes of Mauna Loa and in the vicinity of Paliku in the Haleakala section, but it is not a common plant. A close relative of the blackberry, the akala has magenta-colored flowers and red fruit which may grow to a length of 2 inches. The berries vary considerably in their palatability, some being sweet and others bitter. The plants are erect, and may reach a height of 6 or more feet. It is probable that the juice of the fruit was used as a tapa dye in the old days.