Malabar spinach is a hardy vine with edible leaves that taste like spinach when cooked. The leaves are high in protein, Vitamin A & C, iron and calcium and low in calories by volume. The plant comes in both red-stemmed and white-stemmed varieties. It will self-seed and needs full sun […]
Plants in Hawaii
This section is an encyclopedia of plants that have come from or will be brought to the Hawaii Kai Plant Exchange.
The kukui nut tree, also known as candlenut, grows to a height of 25 to 75 feet, with wide spreading or pendulous branches. The leaves are pale green, simple, and ovate, or trilobed or rarely five-lobed, with an acute apex, 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long. The nut is round, about an inch in diameter […]
This particular basil variety is from Johnny’s Seeds, where I purchase a number of my plant seeds. Although I’ve found this variety is less heat-tolerant than other basil varieties, the herb is more fragrant, evoking the scent one would expect of a typical Italian basil. As with all basil, be […]
The buds are used to make red zinger hibiscus tea and the plant itself is a beautiful for accentuating your garden. Can be used as a shrub for dividing your garden areas. Propagate by cuttings or seed.
Chives, scientific name Allium schoenoprasum, are an edible species of the genus Allium. Their close relatives include the garlic, shallot, leek, scallion, and Chinese onion. A perennial plant, it is widespread in nature across much of Europe, Asia, and North America. This variety has white flowers and reproduces by bunching […]
Also known as “Moses in the Cradle,” the oyster plant is hardy and can grow in shade, including indoor lighting. Popular due to its green foliage and purple underside, the plant reproduces through roots and can be divided easily. Good for weed control or shaded areas where other plants may […]
Epazote (pronounced eh-pah-ZOH-teh) is an aromatic herb; both the fresh leaves and tender stems are used in cooking. The epazote plant is a leafy annual or short-lived perennial plant that can reach 4 feet in height. Its dark green, long, slender, jagged leaves end in a point. The flowers are green and […]
Hawaiian baby woodrose is an ornamental plant that is related to the morning glory plant. The climbing vine can be found in Florida, California, and Hawaii as well as other warm weather climates. The flowers dry naturally and are often used in crafts such as wreaths.
Rau ram, also known as Vietnamese Coriander or Vietnamese mint is well known in Vietnamese cooking. Often pronounced as ‘zow-zam’, it is used as a cilantro substitute. Rau ram can often be substituted for either cilantro or mint. In Malaysia, the plant is known as laksa and often served there […]
