All three of our species of ʻōhelo, Vaccinium reticulatum, V. calycinum, and V. dentatum, are endemic to Hawaiʻi Nei. Keen-eyed folks will be able to sort them out by their unique characteristics and habitats at places such as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Go Look next time you visit.
V. reticulatum is the “regular” ʻōhelo papa, sprawling in the open on ʻāina pōhaku and cinder lands. Itʻs the one most gathered for pies and jam – but be mindful that our increasing populations of nēnē also enjoy dining on the fruit. Plump orbs range in color from palest yellow to dark red and, especially at higher elevations, purple ones have a dusty “bloom” on the fruit.
V. calycinum, ʻōhelo kau lāʻau, is the tallest, and is also deciduous. They are often placed up in crotches of trees, thus its inoa Hawaiʻi. The pua are often green, and are followed by bright red fruit, often as new leaves are appearing.
Look carefully and you’ll find V. dentatum mixed in with mosses and small ferns on mossy tree trunks in rain forest. It also favors bogs, and other wet sites ma uka.
While variable species and hybrids may puzzle some, ʻōhelo is a sensory delight, especially up close, and its dye is always a pink surprise.
