Olona (Touchardia latifolia)is a small shrub/tree that grows in relatively moist sites. It was cultivated by Hawaiians and produced fine strong "fibers" which were used for making feather capes & marine cordage among many other things. It was the only endemic, non-food crop cultivated by Hawaiians (Abbott 1992). This is a testament to the great value of this plant. Its "fibers" were especially important in fishing and in other marine activities. It was the best naval cordage until the onset of synthetics. There are male and female plants. The flowers are very small and occur in spherical clusters.

Olona "fibers" occur in the Cortex of the Stem. This is the area just outside of the Phloem. They are actually Laticifers, not Fibers. Laticifers are extremely long cells which contain Latex. White Latex can be observed by removing a leaf from ulu (breadfruit) or Papaya. The Indian Rubber Tree is another species that exudes a white latex when it is injured.

Olona Latex has a yellow/orange in color and is not produced in abundance. The laticifers in olona have exceptionally thick cell walls. They are not Lignified. This makes them supple and flexible and may contribute to their desirable attributes as cordage.