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Lapalapa/ʻŌlapa
Usually found near the summits or on the summits. Leaves sometimes dances in the wind representing the art of hula which is why it is sacred in Hawaiian Mythology. Leaves come in 3s or 5s clusters, but I've seen one with 4s.
Background Information
Genus: Cheirodendron
5 Endemic Species
Ginseng family
Ancient uses: Stories Hawaiian mythology, blue dye for kapa, fruit for honeycreepers , leaves made into lei, spears
Also known as ʻŌlapa
cheirodendron platyphyllum
subspecies: kauaiensis
Pihea trail/Alakai Swamp
Appearance
Leaflets come in 3s
Leaf more rounded
cheirodendron trigynum
Hawaiian Name: Olapa
Appearance
5 leaflets on this one
Not as round as Lapalapa
Occurs high up at about 1,000 ft. to 7,000 ft.
Doesn't dance in the wind like Lapalapa
cheirodendron trigynum
Ka'ala trail, 2018
Appearance
Leaves are triangular
Long
Source
Flowering Plants of Hawaii, 225-228
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