, is a woody vine related to pandanus (hala tree) which is found on all the main islands in mesic and wet forest environments. It often climbs up into trees (see photos below) with the help of long aerial roots. These roots were used by Hawaiians in basket making.The flowers are male (staminate) composed of just stamens, or female (pistillate) composed of ovaries and have bright salmon-red bracts below the clusters of 3 to 4 spadices. The second photo on the left shows female spikes developing into fruits which will be bright red berries.
Records show that presently it is pollinated and probably dispersed by birds. It is an indigenous plant with no endemic species in the islands. The photo is by Charles Lamoureux and is reprinted with permission.
