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Lei 'A'ali'i
Ranging in heights of one to
thirty feet, this shrub to tree is found growing at elevations up to
8,000 feet and wind-swept open country. Leaves are elongated,
blunt or pointed, about one to four inches by .25 to one inch.
Flowers are small, appear in clusters at branch tips or leaf
axils. It is the two-to-four winged seed capsules ranging in
color from yellow, pink, brown to very dark red that is used to make
the lei 'a'ali'i. Sometimes clusters of the tiny flowers are
used because they have a very subtle talcum powder fragrance.
The seed capsules were strung
one by one or the clusters of fruits and flowers were braded or tied
in a central cord of ferns, dried banana skin, ti leaves or other such
materials. The finished lei was papery in texture and weight.
Reference: Ka Lei, The
Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald
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