Family: Asteliaceae

Astelia menziesiana, or pa‘iniu, is an endemic perennial herb. Pa‘iniu has long (30 to 160 cm), narrow (1 to 7cm) leaves that are green or silvery-green on the top and white, silver, or golden on the undersides. Pa‘iniu flowers form long branching clusters and are found in an array of colors, including purple, red, white, and yellow. The plant is dioecious, meaning that individual plants produce either male or female flowers. Only female plants bear fruit, which are orange to yellowish-orange. It grows epiphytically (in trees) and lithophytically (on rocks) as well as on the ground.

Habitat & Uses 

Pa‘iniu is common to fairly common on most of the main islands, but it is rare on Oʻahu. It is found in mesic to wet forests and bogs, typically at elevations from 2000ft to 5000ft. It needs consistent moisture. 

Early Hawaiians occasionally used paʻiniu for house thatch. The silvery leaves of paʻinui are used to make lei.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Lei flower
• Ornamental
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers