Lagenaria siceraria
LAGENRIA SICERIA
(Ipu – Calabash gourd)
Cucurbitaceae | Mala Maununu
Cucurbitaceae
The Cucurbitaceae, also called cucurbits or the gourd family, are a plant family consisting of about 965 species in around 95 genera.
Native To:
Tropical Asia, Africa
Plant Status:
Secure
Plant Habit:
Vine, about 1 m (3 ft) long
Plant Habitat:
Warm, wet climate
Cultural Uses
Although it’s known that the first Polynesians who came to the islands brought these ipu with them to store supplies, it’s also possible that the seeds floated here inside the gourds. Ipu had many uses in ancient Hawaii, such as medicine and storage for water, food, and dyes. It’s still used today to make various instruments that are used in traditional Hawaiian song and dance.
Interesting Fact
The ipu is a kinolau (Hawaiian word for the physical manifestation of a god or goddess) of Lono, the god of agriculture and rain. Thus, it was believed that people’s shadows should never cover the flower because it would be disrespectful.