Specialty Crop Production in a Forestry Understory: Olena, Maile, Palapalai and 'Awa

Summary Long rotations of high-value tropical woods such as koa ( Acacia koa) will require innovative technolo- gies that generate short-term income following the establishment of a new forest. Under the canopies of young forests, there is the opportunity to cultivate a wide range of native and introduced under- story plants. The viability of an edible forest mushroom, wood ear or pepeiao ( Auricularia polytricha), was studied in the first phase of this project. In the second phase we have included ornamentals and medicinals. A study of olena (Curcuma domestica) and maile (Alyxia oliviformis) cultivation was com- pleted, while research on palapalai (Microlepia strigosa) and 'awa (Piper methysticum) is still under- way. Olena appears to be an excellent understory crop for koa tree farms owing to its high tolerance for shade. The average fresh weight yields obtained in this study were 11,472 kg/ha for directly planted plants and 7,951 kg/ha for transplants. This was comparable to yields obtained elsewhere (6,720 to 8,960 kg/ha) under rain-fed conditions. Harvest of the ornamental bracts for flower arrangements could also serve as another source of income. Maile seeds were collected from plants growing in Kokee (Kauai), Aiea (Oahu), Kapapala (Ha- waii), and Keauhou (Hawaii) and planted under 80% shade. Depending on seed source, between 1 and 3 months are required for germination. After three months, the Kokee seedlings had the greatest average height increase (3.2 cm). Differences in amount of fragrance were also noted. The Keauhou seedlings had the highest fragrance rating, followed by the Aiea source. The source with the lowest rating was from Kokee. Several years may be required before harvest owing to the slow growth of maile. We will select for both vigorous growth and fragrance.