NA LEI

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Lei Mokihana

A scraggly native tree growing to heights of about twenty fee, found only in the forest of Kaua'i bears small greenish flowers and leathery cube-shaped seed capsules.  The anise scented seed capsules are pierced through the center and strung on a cord to make the lei that has in chants and legends been associated with Kaua'i.  The lei is prized for its beautiful scent and is often stored away with garments, serving as a sachet.  Strands of mokihana are often interlaced with strands of maile.  The scent of the two materials complement each other.

Reference:  Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald