'Awapuhi 'ula 'ula (Red Ginger) - Maui Ocean Center

Park Hours
9 AM - 5 PM

Search
Close this search box.

‘Awapuhi ‘ula ‘ula (Red Ginger)

Also known as “bitter ginger”, this plant has been used for centuries as a shampoo and conditioner. The red bulbous flowers are filled with a sudsy liquid that works well as an all natural soap. Although this is its most well known use, ʻawapuhi also has a wide range of medicinal uses. The leaves can be used as a compress to help with bruising and cuts, and mashed ʻawapuhi roots can treat headaches and toothaches. Additionally, the rhizome (root) is edible, and the leaves can be used to flavor meat when cooking in an imu (underground oven).

Did you know?

ʻAwapuhi has antioxidant, anti-allergenic, and antimicrobial properties.

Common name: Shampoo Ginger, Bitter Ginger

Scientific name: Zingiber zerumbet

Where to Find: Rainy mid-elevation environments

Status: Canoe Plant (Polynesian Introduction)

share with friends

Discover More Maui Ocean Center plant life

Pā‘ūohi‘iaka

Pā‘ūohi‘iaka is a member of the morning glory family. There are other species of Jacquemontia sandwicensis found naturally in Mexico,...

Aloalo (Hibiscus)

‘Ūlei (Hawaiian Hawthorne, Hawaiian Rose)

This common species does best in dry and sunny conditions. Too much rainfall hinders its ability to flower. Young flexible...

‘Āweoweo (Hawaiian Goosefoot)

This plantʻs unique 3 pronged leaves explain why it has been called the Hawaiian goosefoot. This endemic species can often...

ʻUala (Hawaiian Sweet Potato)

ʻUala, also known as Hawaiian sweet potato, is a starchy root vegetable that has been a staple crop in Hawaiʻi...

‘Ōhi‘a ‘ai (Mountain Apple)

The ʻōhiʻa ʻai is a member of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and is related to other plants like guava and...