Puakenikeni
Scientific Name: Fagraea berteriana
Common Name: Perfume Flower Tree
Natural Setting / Location: wide range of cultivated environments, such as lava flows and cloud forests; humid subtropics
Puakenikeni was introduced to Hawaiʻi around the 1930s and is known for its abundance of flowers and beautiful aroma. Back in the day, Lei Puakenikeni were sold for 10 cents each, from which it received its name, ("pua" meaning flower, and "kenikeni" meaning dime). The flowers of the puakenikeni tree are easily bruised and must be handled delicately when gathering and making lei. The color of the puakenikeni flowers start off as white, then gradually go to a golden yellow then deep orange. The darker in color, the stronger the fragrance.
