‘Alahe‘e can grow as a shrub or a small tree, which can reach heights from six to thirty feet tall. This plant would make a great hedge comparable to that of mock orange. It has tight clusters of small fragrant white flowers. ‘Alahe‘e translates to “wandering fragrance”, referring to the strong citrusy scent that that emanates when this plant is in full bloom.
‘Alahe‘e is one of the plants that fishermen would use to make spears specifically to catch octopus. The Hawaiian word for octopus is he’e and there is a traditional connection between the two organisms.
This plant can be found naturally on all main Hawaiian islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe.
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