Kalo Varieties

Which variety of kalo is the best? The one that's in the bowl on the table. - Jerry Konanui, Hawaiian Mahi‘ai

Use As Food

Poi of good quality may be made from this variety. The lū‘au is relatively nonacrid, (not sharp or bitter).

Distribution

Planted quite extensively on Maui, Moloka‘i, and Kaua‘i.

General Characteristics

Short to medium in height, well spreading, maturing within 9 to 12 months, producing from 5 to 10 ‘ohā; identified by the light self-green spreading Hā (Petiole) and arrow head shaped Lau or lū‘au (Leaf blade).

Ha (Petiole)

55 to 70 cm. tall, light green, inconspicuously greenish at edge, white at kōhina (base).

Lau or Lu'au(Leaf Blade)

35 to 50 cm. long, 25 to 35 cm. wide, 30 to 40 cm. from tip to base of sinus (māwae), arrow head shaped, medium green; margins slightly wave-like (undulate); piko yellowish; round leaf section (lobes) acute with wide lihi māwae (sinus).

'I'o kalo (Corm)

Flesh chalky white with yellowish fibers; skin whitish.

Pua (Flower)

 

Remarks