Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

n., Large taro-like plants (Alocasia macrorrhiza 🌐, Xanthosoma robustum).

• Related:
  • A number of beliefs concerning ʻape have been recorded. ʻApe was planted by a gate or fence because the irritating sap of the leaves was thought to ward off evil spirits; leaves were placed under tapas or mats on which the sick lay for the same reason. ʻApe was not planted near the house for fear the residents might become sick.
  • Varieties are qualified by the colors kea or keʻokeʻo (white), or hiwa or ʻeleʻele (dark).
• References:
  • Neal 156, 162.
  • PPN kape.

Large taro-like plant (Alocasia macrorrhiza), a main ingredient for treating burns. Its leaves are used in relieving headaches and neuralgia; its milky sap to relieve nettle stings. In addition, it helped ward off evil spirits, and its potion could stimulate love. (NEAL 156.)

Large, taro-shaped plant (Alocasia macrorrhiza). (NEAL 156.) See Plants: Uses.

Large, taro-shaped plant (Xanthosoma robustum) with huge, heart-shaped shiny green leaves. At one time cultivated in small patches of dry land in the mountains. In times of scarcity the Hawaiians cooked the coarse underground stem for food. The milky juice of the plant is said to relieve nettle stings. Native stinging nettle is rare. (NEAL 162.)