About Astelia menziesiana Sm.
Astelia menziesiana Sm. is a plant species in the family Asteliaceae, endemic to Hawaii, a state of the United States. Native Hawaiian names for this plant are kaluaha, paʻiniu, and puaʻakuhinia. It is a non-woody, clumping plant that reaches 1 to 3 feet in both height and width. It can grow as an epiphyte on tree branches and trunks, or grow directly in the ground. The upper surfaces of its leaves are either silvery-green or green, while the undersides can be white, gold, or silver. Its flowers grow on long spikes and come in colors including yellow, purple, and red. Male and female flowers are produced on separate individual plants. Female plants develop small orange-yellow berries that are eaten by birds. Two other Astelia species, Astelia argyrocoma and the rare, endangered Astelia waialealae, are found only on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi.
