Use As Food
Primarily as a table taro. Taro of Lauloa group were used by the early Hawaiians for medicinal purposes, chiefly in pulmonary disorders. They are now popular mainly as table taros and for poi.
Distribution
Found occasionally among plantings of Lauloa Palakea ‘Ele‘ele.
General Characteristics
Tall, erect, maturing within 9 to 12 months, producing from 5 to 10 ‘ohā; characterized by pinkish edge and white kōhina (base) of Hā (Petiole).
Ha (Petiole)
100 to 140 cm. long, dark green heavily spreading over the Hā (stem) with dark reddish purple color, especially on the upper half, purplish at the top (apex), white at the kōhina (base), with a distinct reddish-pink lihi (edge) to an almost white color.
Lau or Lu'au(Leaf Blade)
45 to 65 cm. long, .30 to 40 cm. wide, 35 to 50 cm. from tip to base of sinus (māwae), arrow head shaped, slightly concave (curve inward), dark green; margins with a few large undulations; piko purplish; veins dark purplish on lower surface of round leaf section (lobes); round leaf section (lobes) obtuse with narrow lihi māwae (sinus).
'I'o kalo (Corm)
Flesh chalky white with light yellowish fibers; skin yellowish.
Pua (Flower)
Remarks
