Family: Urticaceae

Māmaki is a valuable native shrub. This species is both variable and beautiful. Leaf size, texture, color, and venation color can differ between varieties. Leaves tend to be darker green on top, white to gray underneath, and have serrated margins. Fruits are small white and almost gelatinous with a subtly sweet flavor. Both female and male flowers are insignificant and form along leaf axils. Following female flowers, white berries are born in pairs off the stem. Inside are tiny black seeds. There are hundreds of seeds per plant, maybe even thousands. Although a member of the nettle family (Urticaceae), māmaki does not produce stinging hairs. Common to other Hawaiian plants, māmaki lost its defenses during the long process of evolution in isolation away from herbivores.

Habitat & Uses

Māmaki is endemic to all of the main Hawaiian islands and can be found from sea level to over 6100 feet. Typically, these shrubs will grow in mesic valleys and wet forests. They are an essential understory shrub, thriving under the shade of trees. The red-veined varieties can survive full sun in open lowland landscapes. Māmaki is a beloved host to endemic butterflies (Kamehameha butterfly, koa butterfly, and Udea stellata moth) and non-native butterflies alike. Their caterpillars will feed on the leaves, while adult butterflies will enjoy nectar from surrounding plants.

Leaves are medicinal in tea, said to be good for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and restful sleep with dreams. Māmaki tea is caffeine-free and is known to contain beneficial polyphenols like catechins, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. The fruit is traditionally used as a mild laxative and treatment for sores. All parts of the māmaki plant is utilized to make kapa (traditional fabric). The inner bark is pounded out, often mixed with wauke fibers, and results in brown kapa. Māmaki hardwood can be transformed into iʻe kuku, kapa beaters, and the sap can keep the fibers moist during kapa-making. Finally, matured leaves can be simmered down to create a reddish-brown color dye to print on kapa. Unlike wauke kapa which can be washed, māmaki kapa is only durable when dry.

Landscaping & Cultivation

Māmaki is excellent for a butterfly garden, lāʻau lapaʻau (medicinal) garden, habitat restoration, or just a low-maintenance native to add to your yard. As a fast-growing species, māmaki, is a useful understory plant. The leaves will block the sun, preventing undesirable plants from germinating.  Māmaki grows in a wide range of environments, full sun or full shade. It does best with organic material, mulch, and regular water.

Mamaki does not transplant very well. Instead you can start seeds directly into the ground to prevent potential root damage or you can wait til your plant is at about 8-12″ tall so its established enough to survive the transplant stress. To germinate seeds, mash up the raspberry-like fruit in a plastic bag to separate the seeds from the fruit. Make it fun for the whole family by adding water and loading the seed-fruit water mixture to a spray gun!

This shrub responds well to pruning, but do not remove more than 1/4 of the leaves at any given time. You can apply a slow release fertilizer with minor elements every 6 months at a dilution of a half to a third of the recommended strength. This plant can be attacked by all of the usual insect pests, but none that should be a major problem. However, watch out for any fungal disease as that can kill young māmaki plants.

Māmaki Seed Paper

Māmaki fruit can be made into seed paper, an eco-friendly craft that combines papermaking techniques with the sustainability of planting seeds. Using a blender, mix paper shreds with water and some ripe fruit. Strain water out of the mash. Then, shape and flatten the māmaki mash. Dry the paper in an area with plenty of airflow. It can be on a mesh screen or a flat tray. Once it is dry, the paper is ready for the creative activity!

When planting the māmaki seed paper, fill a pot up with a well-draining soil mixture. This can be made by creating a mixture with a 1/3 peat mix, 1/3 black cinder, 1/3 pearlite, and a little bit of slow-release fertilizer. Rip the paper into small pieces, no bigger than a half inch. Place the pieces on top of the soil mixture, then lightly cover the paper with soil, just enough to cover the paper. Keep watered and sheltered from weather as the tiny seeds and seedlings can be easily damaged. In about 20 days, you should see your new māmaki keiki starting to sprout.

Name Origins

The root word māma or mama in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi can mean to be nimble, to ease of a pain/ache/distress, and to lighten load/labor. This translation may refer to the medicinal relief from māmaki. The sap was used to treat oral thrush in keiki, ease childbirth, and stimulate digestion. The bark is a laxative, while the roots can treat dysentery. Leaves benefit overall wellness, while māmaki fruit poultice heals skin sores. Waimea is another common name for this species when on Kauaʻi and the name Waimea is also shared with the endemic olomea (Perrottetia sandwicensis). The scientific name Pipturus is Greek meaning a falling tail, which references māmaki’s easily detachable stigma. Albidus comes from the Latin albidis for white.

Plant Uses:

• Aquatic plant
• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Hedge
• Medicinal
• Privacy / screening
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers