Jerry Konanui documents the ancient variety of taro known as ‘o‘opukai using the list of plant descriptors found in “Descriptors for Taro – Colocasia esculenta,” published by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute.

From documenting the position and size of the leaf, to matching the colors of the leaf sap, petiole and corm flesh with botanical color charts, dozens of descriptors are recorded. Along with the scientific documentation, Jerry provides a wealth of cultural and historic information.

His goal is to document as many of the Hawaiian taro varieties as possible for reference by future generations of taro growers.

Mahalo to Kent Whealy and Judy Kern for supporting this online series.

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