Plants of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Scientific Name Waltheria indica L.
Family Sterculiaceae
Other Names 'Uhaloa, 'ala'ala pu loa (transl. "tall fragrant plant"), hala 'uhaloa, hi'aloa (transl. "tall waste"), kanakaloa (transl. "tall person")
Status Indigenous?
Distribution & Habitat Found in dry, often disturbed sites from sea level to1,220 m, on Midway Atoll and all of the main islands. (Wagner, et al. 1990: 1280)
Locations in this Guide Sulphur Bank
General Appearance
Large plants of this species have been described as "subshrubs" (Wagner, et al. 1990: 1280) but those found on the sites in the Park are low forms that hug the ground.  They range in height from 60 to 200 cm tall.

They are found growing in the open or tangled among mats of grass.

The habitat tends to be relatively dry, often disturbed sites (Wagner, et al. 1990: 1280). It grows in areas at Sulfur Banks  that may have an elevated soil temperature.

 Sulfur Banks

Leaves
The rugose leaves are broadly ovate to oblong-ovate and 2 to about 15 cm long and 1 to 6 cm wide (Wagner, et al. 1990: 1280).  Hairs are abundant.
Sulfur Banks Sulfur Banks
Flowers & Fruits
The axillary yellow flowers are small, with petals about 4 to 6 mm long and with a strongly ribbed 3 to 5 mm long calyx (Wagner, et al. 1990: 1280).
Sulfur Banks
The fruit capsule is obliquely globose and 2.5 to 3 mm long (Wagner, et al. 1990: 1280).
Phenology
Natural History
Conservation
Miscellaneous Photos
Other Notes Used medicinally as a pain killer, especially for sore throats.
References
Links to Other Sites
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Last Updated: 08/05/03

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