Maʻo is an endemic and endangered tree, also known as native Hawaiian cotton. It can be found growing in coastal plains and dry forests, and it features bright yellow hibiscus flowers, the official state flower of Hawaiʻi.

 

Much like a cotton swab today, the fibers from this plant were used for medicinal applications by early Hawaiians. In modern times, maʻo saved the cotton industry. When maʻo was crossed with other cotton strains, the commercial hybrids successfully repelled insects that were destroying cotton crops.

Pōhinahina is an indigenous shrub found on sandy coastlines. These plants are especially useful for stabilizing soil and helping with erosion control. 

 

In the past, Hawaiians used pōhinahina leaves to treat minor illnesses, such as headaches, and even extracted liquid from steeped leaves for use in medicinal baths. The flowers were used to repel insects when layered between folded kapa (bark cloth). 

 

The leaves retain their fragrance and shape well, making them a popular choice for lei, including lei poʻo.

ʻĀkulikuli, an indigenous succulent plant, is one of the most salt-tolerant of all coastal plants. As a groundcover, it helps prevent erosion and protects coral reefs from sediment runoff. 

 

They excel at filtering excess toxins and nutrients out of water sources. Roots of ʻākulikuli have been planted on floating platforms in the Ala Wai Canal to help clear up the murky, polluted water. 

 

All parts of the plant are edible, with leaves having a salty, pickle-like flavor.