Nov 1, 2012 · Deck the halls this season with Hawaiian ohelo berries, a sacred yet edible plant endemic to Hawaii. They are also a nice alternative to cranberries.

Vaccinium reticulatum, known as ʻōhelo ʻai in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering plant in the heather family, Ericaceae, that is endemic to Hawaii. It grows at altitudes of 640–3,700 m (2,100–12,140 ft) on lava flows and freshly disturbed volcanic ash on Maui and Hawaiʻi, and less commonly on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Molokaʻi.

Nov 6, 2012 · Ohelo (Vaccinium reticulatum) is a small, native Hawaiian shrub in the cranberry family, commonly found at high elevations on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. It is abundant in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Volcano area.

Nēnē or Hawaiian goose eat ʻōhelo ʻai berries and thus aid in spreading the plants natural range from their droppings. Two endemic moths in the fruitworm family (Carposinidae) depend on the ʻōhelo their life cycle and the berries are the only known host for their larvae.

Sep 27, 2016 · Vaccinium reticulatum is a species within the family Ericaceae commonly referred to as Ohelo Berries. This particular species is also known by the common names Tree Ohelo and Ohelo Kau La’au. It is available at high elevations on an Islands of Hawaii and Maui.

Flowers and berries can be found on the plants at the same time. The berries ripen in the autumn and are orange, red, or reddish to bluish purple in color. The berries are an important food source for the Hawaiian Goose or Nene (Branta sandvicensis).

Vaccinium calycinum can bloom 9 months after germination. Traditionally used to treat stomach pains (“‘Ōhelo,” n.d.). ‘Ōhelo is found on all Hawaiian islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe. ‘Ōhelo grows at elevations of 500 to 1,800 m (1,640 to …

The 'Ōhelo berry was considered sacred to the Volcano Goddess Pele and offerings of branches with fruit were made into the Kīlauea volcano. Today the berry is a favorite staple of the Hawaiian Nēnē Goose as well as people.

There are 3 endemic species of ʻŌhelo. Ancient uses include Hawaiian Mythology stories involving Madam Pele. In modern times, the berry could be used to make ʻŌhelo pie. The key way to identifying the plant is its crown stamp on the bottom of the berry. This specific species of ʻŌhelo is called Vaccinium calycinum.

Feb 15, 2017 · Been collecting ohelo berries (Vaccinium reticulatum) here for long time. These are native berries in the blueberry family. They are favored for making pies, or jams and jellies, but can also be eaten out of hand.