Koali-ai. Plate 13 from the book: Indigenous flowers of the Hawaiian Islands

Plate 13 of 44 from Isabella Sinclair's Indigenous flowers of the Hawaiian Islands (1885). The coloured illustration is accompanied by the following text describing the plant:

The Koali-Ai.

Ipomoea palmata, Forsk.

The remarks, which have been made regarding the Koali-awahia, apply equally well to the Koali-ai. The former is perhaps the most common, but they are almost always found growing together; and, with their delicate colours and graceful mode of growth, lend a peculier charm and beauty to all parts of the lowlands that are protected from animals.

The koali-ai, as its name implies (koali - the convolvulus plant, ai - food), was formerly used by the natives as food, in seasons when their crops of potatoes, etc., failed. The roots and main stems were the parts used, and the taste, though slightly bitter, is not at all unpleasant. The vine is very strong and durable, and is used by the natives for various purposes in place of cordage.

Formely it was in much request for house-building - every part of a well built native house being fastened with the koali-ai - and, as it was protected from the weather by the thatch, it lasted for a great many years.

The leaves of this convolvulus vary a good deal both in size and form, some are much more palmated than others, but those represented will be found fairly typical.