Description
Pāpala or Broadleaf papala Amaranthaceae Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands Oʻahu (Cultivated) The wood is very light when dried and will burn like paper. The Hawaiian name pāpala originated from a practice on Kauaʻi. Formerly on the north coast of Kauaʻi, early Hawaiians most often used the flammable pāpala wood as firebrand. During times when the strong winds swept out to the sea, they would throw burning pieces from cliffs which floated along on the winds. When the fire would reach the center of the wood sparks shot out like fiery rockets in what must have been an impressive display. This sport was called ʻōahi. nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Charpentiera_obovata


