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NA LEI |
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'Akulikuli Lei A low growing succulent, native to Africa, cultivated in Hawaiian gardens at elevations of 1,000 feet or more; a common garden plant in such areas as Waimea, Hawai'i; Ho'olehua, Moloka'i; and Kula, Maui. Leaves are narrow and thick and flowers are iridescent pink, rose, orange, white, red, magenta or yellow. The light pink and rose varieties are most common and have been used in leis since their introduction. The other varieties introduced after 1940, the yellow one being the latest, are also used in leis. The orange "akulikuli is said to leave a stain on clothes. As the blossoms close at night and as they are easier to handle this way, the lei maker gathers them in the evening or during the early morning before they open. The blossoms are not set in water as the lei maker prefers working with soft, pliable stems rather than brittle ones. The Hawaiians called this African native "'akulikuli" because this is the term for all succulents and "lei" because of its use. The lei "akulikuli last beautifully for two or three days with little or no care. Reference: Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald
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