Our 'akia has established itself as the native Hawaiian plant with the most widespread usage for landscaping on Hawaiian soil.

The bark of 'akia is strong and fibrous, providing an integral source of cordage for ropes and braided material in ancient Hawai'i. Medicinally, the plant was applied as a treatment for asthma and as a laxative.

'Akia also is one of the rare native Hawaiian plants with active alkaloids. Hawaiians integrated one species of 'akia in catching fish by a method called hola. In Otto Degener's classic book, "Plants of Hawaii National Park," is the passage: "We learn that the bark and leaves of the plant were taken and then thoroughly comminuted by pounding with a convenient stone on the rocks adjoining the stream or ocean where the fishing was to take place. The fishermen, to avoid the possibility of being bitten by eels if the fishing was to be in salt water, placed double handfuls of the prepared plant in the fibrous sheath of the coconut leaf or in twisted bunches of grass. This poisonous material could thus be quickly thrust under the rocks or into crevices where the fish were thought to lurk, the sheath or grass being used for additional applications of bark and leaves later on. Such fishing was usually limited to tidal pools where the poison was not readily dissipated. ... In a typical tidal pool within about 10 minutes after the submergence of the poison, the fish would become so narcotized as to swim about aimlessly or to float on or near the surface of the water on their sides in a dying condition. In this state, they could be easily caught."

"The Kumulipo, A Hawaiian Creation Chant," as translated by Martha Warren Beckwith, reflects in Chant 13, Part II, line 1806: "Taboo the poisonous 'akia plant."

The berries of 'akia also were strung into the exotic 'lei 'akia ha'aha'a. Numerous 'akia strands interwoven with maile also are an alluring marriage.

About a dozen species of 'akia (Wikstroemia) are recognized as endemic to the Hawaiian islands. This article concentrates on the 'akia known as Wikstroemia uva-ursi, which has emerged as a border planting or high ground cover in public parks, commercial establishments and private gardens throughout the Islands.

This 'akia is a dense, sprawling shrub. Leaves are tiny, waxy, pale green, ovate and oppositely arranged along the the rough stem bark. Clusters of petite, tubular, fragrant (more so in early evening) yellow flowers emerge near the branch ends from the leaf axils. Fruits are pea-sized, pulpy and orange or red.

In modern Hawai'i, 'akia is especially useful on a sloped area, where its roots will stabilize the soil and provide a cascading flow to the landscape. It loves the full sun of coastal or hot lowland areas, but its stamina allows it to grow almost anywhere. Because of its tolerance to salt, drought and wind, it's an exceptional choice for xeriscapes. It requires minimal care and maintenance, including pruning/shaping. No serious insect pests bother 'akia.

'Akia plants can be germinated by seed or semi-matured tip cuttings enhanced by rooting hormones. Transplant after four true leaves develop. Use a well-draining blend of cinder, potting mix and perlite. Let plants dry a little between waterings.

So, when the next landscaping opportunity arises, grow the most versatile native Hawaiian plant in your Hawaiian earth, and enjoy years of aloha in contributing to a greener native environment.