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Tacca leontopetaloides

(L.) Kuntze (1891)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Monocots Order: Dioscoreales Family: Dioscoreaceae Genus: Tacca

pia, polynesian arrowroot

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Tubers depressed-globose or broadly ellipsoid, thin-skinned and smooth, 1.5–5 cm long, 1–8 cm in diameter, growing near the surface or up to 0.5 m below the surface, tubers replaced during the year by new ones that arise from a thick, downward-growing rhizome and remain dormant after senescence of the aerial parts, leaves arising from an apical cavity, the base of the leaves and inflorescences at least in young plants surrounded by linear–lanceolate cataphylls 8–21 cm long.

Stems: Rhizomatous, tuberous.

Roots: Fibrous root system.

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate. Blades broadly obovate, ovate, or oblong–ovate in outline, blades 3–7 dm long, up to 120 dm wide. Surfaces glabrous. Margins palmately divided, the lobes deeply pinnately divided at base, deeply 3–cleft above, each lobe pinnately divided, ultimate segments basically lanceolate. Veins parallel or palmate. Petioles hollow, 1.7–15 dm long, the sheath 0.2–2.5 dm long. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers 20–40 on green, hollow scapes 2–17 dm long, involucral bracts 4–12, pale to dark green, occasionally with purplish margins, variable in size, outer ones 2.5–10 cm long, usually somewhat drooping, inner ones essentially similar in shape, slightly smaller, spreading to erect, the floral bracts 20–N, dark purple or dark blackish brown, filiform, up to 25 cm long, each flower drooping, on pedicels up to 5 cm long, elongating up to 8 cm long in fruit; tepals yellowish green or purplish green, the perianth tube 1.5–5 mm long, the lobes somewhat fleshy with membranous margins, the outer 3 elliptic or ovate, (1.5–)4–7 mm long, the inner 3 ovate or oblong–ovate, 5–7.5 mm long; stamens white or dull yellow to brown or purple; ovary with numerous pellucid glandular hairs 1.5–3 mm long, with a ribbed annular disk. Flowers sometimes subtended by filiform bracts, pedicels 6–ribbed. Flowers bisexual (perfect), actinomorphic. Flowers sometimes subtended by filiform bracts, pedicels 6–ribbed. Tepals 6, dark colored, basically petaloid, usually connate toward base into a short tube, the lobes in 2 alternate whorls. Stamens 6, in 2 whorls, inserted on perianth tube or at base of tepals; filaments short, flattened and somewhat petaloid, together with the broad connective forming a hood-like structure over the inflexed anther; anthers dithecal, opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary inferior, 3-carpellate, 1-celled, obpyramidal, 6–ribbed; ovules numerous, anatropous, placentation basically parietal, each placenta with numerous ovules; style 1, apex with 3 obcordate lobes, each one with a stigmatic canal.

Fruit: Fruit rarely formed (at least in Hawai'i); pale to dark green; maturing pale orange; globose to occasionally ellipsoid or ovoid; 1.5–2.5(–3.5) cm in diameter. Seeds numerous; yellowish brown; ovoid to ellipsoid; 5.5–8 mm long; seed coat spongy; white; 15–19–ribbed.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Uncommon; in disturbed areas such as grassy slopes and mesic valley floors.

Elevation Range: 3–330 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

  • Cultivated for its starchy tubers (Krauss 1993:8,15).

  • Pia is a secondary ingredient to treat ho‘opapailua lua‘i (nausea) and lua‘i mau ( continual vomiting). The green leaves of ha‘a are gathered and eaten. Once chewed into a fine mash and swallowed, four lumps of pia are mixed with water and drunk. This will end nausea and vomiting (Chun 1994:72). It is also noted as a secondary ingredient in many other medicines (see other plants).

  • Cooked, mashed pia combined with coconut cream to make haupia

PROPAGATION/CULTIVATION

  • (Handy et al. 1972:183).

Ethnobotanical Images

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Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Naturalized

Dispersal Agents

Water/Ocean
Birds

Vegetative Reproduction

Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 704 (1891)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1612 (K, O, Mo, M, H); Staples & Herbst 2005:756 (DESCR); St.John 12696 BISH (Mo†, 1932)

Laau Hawaii (Abbott) p.35

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Tacca leontopetaloides Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Haleiwa PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Orr, D. V-19 Oahu BISH 12/16/1994
2 Tacca leontopetaloides Na Pali coast, Maunapuluo Scattered on grassy headland. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN St. John, H. 25988 Kauai BISH 12/22/1956
3 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5558 (segmt 1a) Oahu BISH 8/30/1931
4 Tacca leontopetaloides Kauai or Niihau PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Remy, M.J. 161 Kauai BISH 1/24/1905
5 Tacca leontopetaloides East Maui, Hana District, Kalahu Point, PTBG Kahanu Garden, E of Piilanihale Heiau Cultivated area for native plants along margin of Pandanus forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Flynn, T. 2596 Maui BISH 11/10/1987
6 Tacca leontopetaloides Kau, Kawaa Bottom of "hole" in pahoehoe; 300' +/- from seashore. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Meinecke, W.H. s.n. Hawaii BISH 8/21/1957
7 Tacca leontopetaloides Kau District, Waiohinu Growing in the open. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Meinecke, W.H. s.n. Hawaii BISH 8/21/1962
8 Tacca leontopetaloides Hilo; near steamship pier E of city Hot, dry open guava thicket. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 2297 Hawaii BISH 8/11/1923
9 Tacca leontopetaloides near Kamalo PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5560 Molokai BISH 6/26/1928
10 Tacca leontopetaloides Na Pali coast, E of Hanakapiai Grassy headland. In wet heavy soil. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN St. John, H. 23212 Kauai BISH 12/31/1947
11 Tacca leontopetaloides Kau District, Kawaa Near the sea. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Meinecke, W.H. s.n. Hawaii BISH 9/7/1961
12 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau valley Growing among thick grass near sea level. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5559 Molokai BISH 8/15/1928
13 Tacca leontopetaloides east maui, hana district, kalahu point, ptbg kahanu garden, e of piilanihale heiau Cultivated area for native plants along margin of Pandanus forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN flynn, t. boetger, b. collector number: 2596 Maui BISH 11/10/1987
14 Tacca leontopetaloides Wailau and Pelekunu Valleys PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Forbes, C.N. 520Mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
15 Tacca leontopetaloides hilo; near steamship pier e of city Hot, dry open guava thicket. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 2297 Hawaii BISH 8/11/1923
16 Tacca leontopetaloides honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5558 (segmt 1a) Oahu BISH 8/30/1931
17 Tacca leontopetaloides honolulu forest PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5556 Kauai BISH 7/12/1932
18 Tacca leontopetaloides honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5558 seg 2c &2d Oahu BISH 8/30/1931
19 Tacca leontopetaloides manoa upland PRESERVED_SPECIMEN collector number: s.n. Oahu BISH 10/30/1953
20 Tacca leontopetaloides Haiku valley Found growing near old mango tree. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Davis, R.H. s.n. Oahu BISH 4/1/1977
21 Tacca leontopetaloides na pali coast, e of hanakapiai Grassy headland. In wet heavy soil. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN st.john, h. collector number: 23212 Kauai BISH 12/31/1947
22 Tacca leontopetaloides near kamalo PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5560 Molokai BISH 6/26/1928
23 Tacca leontopetaloides kauai or niihau north facing slopes above Awini Stream Metrosideros-Acacia montane mesic forest with Alphitonia pondersoa, Antidesma platyphylla, Euphorbia atrococca, Claoxylon sandwicensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Myrsine lanaiensis, Nestegis sandwicensis, Dracaena aurea, Polyscias kavaiensis, Planch PRESERVED_SPECIMEN remy, m.j. collector number: 161 Kauai BISH 1851-01-01
24 Tacca leontopetaloides Wailau Valley PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5561 Molokai BISH 8/11/1928
25 Tacca leontopetaloides kona dry, open PRESERVED_SPECIMEN handy, e.s. collector number: s.n. Oahu BISH 8/3/1931
26 Tacca leontopetaloides kau district, kawaa Near the sea. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN meinecke, w.h. collector number: s.n. Hawaii BISH 9/7/1961
27 Tacca leontopetaloides Waimea Audubon Center, Waimea Valley, Oahu, Hawaii Cultivated, in forested area, just before the Guam section. Not in flower. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Crago, L.M. Imada, C. Collector Number: 2005-203 Oahu BISH 10/18/2005
28 Tacca leontopetaloides Kaneohe HUMAN_OBSERVATION Friday, J.B. Oahu 4/11/2019
29 Tacca leontopetaloides waimea arboretum & botanical garden PRESERVED_SPECIMEN lau, j. collector number: 2601 Oahu BISH 6/30/1986
30 Tacca leontopetaloides Manoa upland PRESERVED_SPECIMEN s.n. Kauai BISH 10/30/1953
31 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau and pelekunu valleys PRESERVED_SPECIMEN forbes, c.n. collector number: 520mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
32 Tacca leontopetaloides haiku valley Found growing near old mango tree. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN davis, r.h. collector number: s.n. Oahu BISH 4/1/1977
33 Tacca leontopetaloides Kona, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden HUMAN_OBSERVATION Friday, J.B. Hawaii 11/10/2015
34 Tacca leontopetaloides Halawa. Near base of upper Moaula Falls On dry ledges, steep cliff; among ti and kukui. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN St. John, H. 12696 Molokai BISH 12/27/1932
35 Tacca leontopetaloides kau, kawaa Bottom of "hole" in pahoehoe; 300' +/- from seashore. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN meinecke, w.h. collector number: s.n. Hawaii BISH 8/21/1957
36 Tacca leontopetaloides kealakekua, kona. wall hotel garden Rain forests PRESERVED_SPECIMEN fosberg, f.r. collector number: 10160 Maui BISH 9/1/1933
37 Tacca leontopetaloides Kona, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden HUMAN_OBSERVATION Friday, J.B. Hawaii 11/10/2015
38 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu PRESERVED_SPECIMEN B. Sharp s.n. Oahu HAPI
39 Tacca leontopetaloides na pali coast, kalalau trail Beside the trail on gentle slope above Hanakapiai valley, among grasses. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN stone, b.c. stern, w.; carlquist, s. collector number: 3755 Kauai BISH 8/14/1961
40 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau an pilipunu valley PRESERVED_SPECIMEN forbes, c.n. collector number: 520.mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
41 Tacca leontopetaloides east maui, hana district, kalahu point, ptbg kahanu garden, e of piilanihale heiau rain forest; with Astelia and ferns PRESERVED_SPECIMEN flynn, t. boetger, b. collector number: 2596 Maui BISH 11/10/1987
42 Tacca leontopetaloides halawa. near base of upper moaula falls PRESERVED_SPECIMEN st.john, h. baker, r.j.; coulter, j.w.; fosberg, f.r.; yuncker, t.g. collector number: 12696 Hawaii BISH 12/27/1932
43 Tacca leontopetaloides kau district, waiohinu Growing in the open. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN meinecke, w.h. collector number: s.n. Hawaii BISH 8/21/1962
44 Tacca leontopetaloides honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5556 Oahu BISH 7/12/1932
45 Tacca leontopetaloides waiohinu, kau Growing w. Juncus effusus. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN meinecke, w.h. Maui BISH 8/27/1969
46 Tacca leontopetaloides haiku valley, waiahole forest reserve, heeia In thicket on ridge. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN st.john, h. collector number: 12277 Oahu BISH 12/11/1932
47 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau valley Lobster trap. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. nitta, k. collector number: 5561 Necker BISH 8/11/1928
48 Tacca leontopetaloides 1911 keeaumoku st., honolulu PRESERVED_SPECIMEN neal, m.c. collector number: s.n. Oahu BISH 12/4/1931
49 Tacca leontopetaloides Near Kamalo PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5560 Molokai BISH 6/26/1928
50 Tacca leontopetaloides Haiku Valley, Waiahole Forest Reserve, Heeia In thicket on ridge. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN St. John, H. 12277 Oahu BISH 12/11/1932
51 Tacca leontopetaloides Waiahole Valley Edge of native bamboo grove. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Judd, C.S. s.n. Oahu BISH 11/4/1938
52 Tacca leontopetaloides waiahole valley, edge of native bamboo grove PRESERVED_SPECIMEN judd, c.s. hosaka, e.y.; neal, m.c. Oahu BISH 11/4/1938
53 Tacca leontopetaloides Wailau Valley Growing among thick grass near sea level. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5559 Molokai BISH 8/15/1928
54 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. Collector Number: 5558 seg 2c &2d Oahu BISH 8/30/1931
55 Tacca leontopetaloides West Maui, Lahaina District, Pokhakupule Gulch growing on gulch slope in shade of Agathis grove, surrounded by disturbed Mesic Forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Oppenheimer, H.L. H80310 Maui BISH 8/15/2003
56 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau valley PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. nitta, k. collector number: 5561 Molokai BISH 8/11/1928
57 Tacca leontopetaloides Kalahu Point. PTBG Kahanu Garden. Elev. 0-50 ft. Along margin of Pandanus forest east of Piilanihale Heiau. Cultivated area for native plants. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Tim Flynn 2596 Maui PTBG 11/10/1987
58 Tacca leontopetaloides or Nihau PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Remy, M.J. 26 Kauai BISH 1/24/1905
59 Tacca leontopetaloides PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5556 Oahu BISH 7/12/1932
60 Tacca leontopetaloides PRESERVED_SPECIMEN St. John, H. 12696 Molokai BISH 12/27/1932
61 Tacca leontopetaloides KAUAI: Haupu Mtns., below Queen Victoria Profile. N 21deg 55' 53. 31" W159deg 23' 50. 5"\nAssociated Species: Rauvolfia sandwicensis, Cordyline, Hisbicus kokio, Alyxia, Chamesyce celastroides var. hanapepensis, Psydrax odorata, Ficus, Clidemia hirata, Morinda citrifolia, Passiflora ligularis, Spathodea campanulata, Bidens, PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Natalia Tangalin 145 Kauai PTBG 7/22/2004
62 Tacca leontopetaloides west maui, lahaina district, pokhakupule gulch growing on gulch slope in shade of Agathis grove, surrounded by disturbed Mesic Forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN oppenheimer, h.l. hansen, g. collector number: h80310 Maui BISH 8/15/2003
63 Tacca leontopetaloides near kamalo, molokai, territory of hawaii near trail; no substrate info PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 5560 MU 6/26/1928
64 Tacca leontopetaloides near kamalo, molokai, territory of hawaii PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 5560segment c NY 6/26/1928
65 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau valley, molokai, territory of hawaii PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 5561(1b) NY 8/11/1928
66 Tacca leontopetaloides near base of upper moaula falls. halawa valley, molokai Ondry ledges, steep cliff PRESERVED_SPECIMEN h. st. john 12696 NY 12/27/1932
67 Tacca leontopetaloides near kamalo, molokai, territory of hawaii PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 5560 NY 6/26/1928
68 Tacca leontopetaloides Hilo PRESERVED_SPECIMEN B. Sharp s.n. NY 1893-01-01
69 Tacca leontopetaloides in honolulu garden PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 5558segment 1c NY 8/30/1931
70 Tacca leontopetaloides wailau valley, molokai, territory of hawaii. near sea level PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 5559 NY 8/15/1928
71 Tacca leontopetaloides hilo PRESERVED_SPECIMEN b. sharp s.n. NY 1893-08-07
72 Tacca leontopetaloides hilo. near staemship pier east of city PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 2297 NY 8/11/1923
73 Tacca leontopetaloides West Maui, Lahaina District, Pokhakupule Gulch. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Oppenheimer, H. L.; Hansen, G. H80310 Maui US 8/15/2003
74 Tacca leontopetaloides W. Maui, Pohakupule Gulch. In shade of Agathis grove, surrounded by disturbed Mesic forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Hank Oppenheimer H80310 Maui PTBG 8/15/2003
75 Tacca leontopetaloides Mt. Haupu, below Queen Victoria's finger. NW of Delissea population. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Natalia Tangalin 145 Kauai PTBG 7/22/2004
76 Tacca leontopetaloides west maui, lahaina district, pokhakupule gulch. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN h. l. oppenheimer & g. hansen h80310 Maui US 8/15/2003
77 Tacca leontopetaloides hilo From a grassy bank PRESERVED_SPECIMEN a. s. hitchcock 14201 Hawaii US 8/18/1916
78 Tacca leontopetaloides kauai. na pali coast, kalalau trail, above hanakapi'ai valley. Beside the trail on gentle slope. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN b. c. stone, w. stern & s. carlquist 3755 Kauai US 8/14/1961
79 Tacca leontopetaloides Waimea Audubon Center, Waimea Valley, Oahu, Hawaii Cultivated, in forested area, just before the Guam section. Not in flower. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Crago, L.M. 2005-203 Oahu BISH 10/18/2005
80 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5558 seg 2c &2d Oahu BISH 8/30/1931
81 Tacca leontopetaloides waimea audubon center, waimea valley, oahu, hawaii Cultivated, in forested area, just before the Guam section. Not in flower. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN crago, l.m. imada, c. collector number: 2005-203 Oahu BISH 10/18/2005
82 Tacca leontopetaloides Kauai. Na Pali coast, Kalalau trail, above Hanakapi'ai Valley. Beside the trail on gentle slope. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Stone, B. C.; Stern, W.; Carlquist, S. 3755 Kauai US 8/14/1961
83 Tacca leontopetaloides Hilo From a grassy bank PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Hitchcock, A. S. 14201 Hawaii US 8/18/2016
84 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5556 Oahu BISH 7/12/1932
85 Tacca leontopetaloides PRESERVED_SPECIMEN st.john, h. baker, r. j., coulter, j.w., fosberg, f.r., yuncker, t.g. collector number: 12696 Molokai BISH 12/27/1932
86 Tacca leontopetaloides east maui, hana district, kalahu point, ptbg kahanu garden, e of piilanihale heiau PRESERVED_SPECIMEN flynn, t. boetger, b. collector number: 2596 Hawaii BISH 11/10/1987
87 Tacca leontopetaloides east maui, mountain back of hana PRESERVED_SPECIMEN titcomb, m. collector number: s.n. Maui BISH 8/8/1933
88 Tacca leontopetaloides Kealakekua, Kona. Wall Hotel garden PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Fosberg, F.R. 10160 Hawaii BISH 9/1/1933
89 Tacca leontopetaloides near kamalo woods PRESERVED_SPECIMEN degener, o. collector number: 5560 Oahu BISH 6/26/1928
90 Tacca leontopetaloides PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. 5556 Oahu BISH 7/12/1932
91 Tacca leontopetaloides Wailau Valley, Molokai, T. Hawaii. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O.; Nitta, K. 5561(2a) US 8/11/2028
92 Tacca leontopetaloides or nihau PRESERVED_SPECIMEN remy, m.j. collector number: 26 Kauai BISH 1851-01-01
93 Tacca leontopetaloides 1911 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Neal, M.C. s.n. Oahu BISH 12/4/1931
94 Tacca leontopetaloides Wailau and Pelekunu Valley PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Forbes, C.N. 520.mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
95 Tacca leontopetaloides Na Pali coast, Kalalau trail Beside the trail on gentle slope above Hanakapiai valley, among grasses. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Stone, B.C. 3755 Kauai BISH 8/14/1961
96 Tacca leontopetaloides na pali coast, maunapuluo Scattered on grassy headland. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN st.john, h. collector number: 25988 Kauai BISH 12/22/1956
97 Tacca leontopetaloides Waiahole Valley, edge of native bamboo grove PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Judd, C.S. s.n. Oahu BISH 11/4/1938
98 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. Collector Number: 5556 Oahu BISH 7/12/1932
99 Tacca leontopetaloides kauai or niihau PRESERVED_SPECIMEN remy, m.j. collector number: 161 Kauai BISH 1851-01-01
100 Tacca leontopetaloides Honolulu Grown in garden. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Degener, O. Collector Number: 5558 (segmt 1a) Oahu BISH 8/30/1931
101 Tacca leontopetaloides waimea arboretum & botanical garden, haleiwa PRESERVED_SPECIMEN orr, d. collector number: v-19 Lanai BISH 12/16/1994
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