ʻAwapuhi
Scientific Name: Zingiber zerumbet
Common Name: White and yellow ginger
Natural Setting / Location: Common in disturbed habitats such as mesic shaded areas
Originally found in India, the ʻawapuhi, or ginger plant, was brought to the islands by the early Polynesians. Their delicate yet abundantly fragrant flowers are sewn together to create both single and double-strand lei. The buds of the flowers are also crafted into a hīpuʻu kind of style of lei coined as the Micronesian ginger lei. It lays flat across the chest and is much more durable than the kui style. The ʻawapuhi flowers are most commonly white, but the yellow variety is sought after and treasured.
