Kalo Varieties

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

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Mana ‘Oko‘a

Mana ‘Oko‘a, 080

Mana ‘Oko‘a: Probably a native of Hawaii variety. Since no name could be determined it has been given the descriptive name of ‘Oko‘a, meaning another. ‘Oko‘a also means different, separate, independent. Mana refers to the branching of the Hā (stems) from the top of the ‘i‘o kalo (corm). Only the Mana varieties branch like this. Mana also means supernatural or divine power, miraculous power; a powerful nation, authority.

Use As Food

Fair table taro. According to J.K. it makes great poi.

Distribution

Limited; occurs as a mixture in large plantings of Mana Ke‘oke‘o.

General Characteristics

Resembles Mana Ke‘oke‘o except that the Hā (Petiole) are decidedly lighter green and Lau or Lū‘au (Leaf blade) are arrow head shaped rather than egg-shaped (ovate).

Ha (Petiole)

60 to 85 cm. long, light green, pinkish-red at the lihi (stem edge), white at the kōhina (base).

Lau or Lu'au(Leaf Blade)

45 to 55 cm. long, 30 to 35 cm. wide, 35 to 40 cm. from tip to base of sinus (māwae), arrow head shaped (sagittate), medium green; margins wave-like (undulate); piko light greenish; round leaf section (lobes) acute with narrow māhae (sinus).

'I'o kalo (Corm)

Flesh white with yellowish fibers; skin whitish.