Introduction Glossary References Web Resources

Petiole (hā) descriptors

Overall color · Markings on the petiole · Waxy coating? · Apex color · Base (kumu hā ) color · Kōhina color · Margin (lihi māwae) color · Markings within petiole sheath · Ratio: sheath length to total length

 Petiole parts


Overall color The color of the leaf petiole () is highly variable, ranging from different shades of green, pink to red, and purple to black in color. For this feature, the main color of the central region of the petiole must be considered, and splotches or streaks of other color should be ignored.

Green petioles Pink-red petioles Purple-black petioles

Markings Often the petiole of taro varieties has distinct stripes, streaks and markings of a different color. This feature can help to identify the different varieties.

Striped petioles Lack of striping or marking

Waxy coating on the petiole? Rub the surface of the petiole. Does a white powder rub off to reveal the color underneath? This is a waxy coating. Most Hawaiian taro varieties do not have this waxy coating.

Waxy petiole Glossy, non-waxy petiole


Apex color What is the color of the petiole in the region close to the junction with the leaf blade? Does it have a pink or red coloration?

White-green apex Pink-purple apex

Base (kumu hā ) color The color of the petiole an inch or more above the surface of the soil can be characteristic for taro varieties. The color can range from white-green, to pink-red, to brown-black. Ignore the color of the sheath margin.

White petiole base Pink-red petiole base Black-brown petiole base

Kōhina color The kōhina is the leaf scar, or the point of attachment of the oldest leaf, at the very top of the corm. Pull down and remove the oldest leaf of the taro plant to reveal the color of the kōhina which will be either white or pink-purple-red in color.

White kohina Pink-red kohina

Margin (lihi māwae) color The margin (lihi māwae) is the edge of the petiole sheath. It can range in color from green or white, to pink, purple, or black.

Green-white sheath margin Pink-red sheath margin Black sheath margin

Markings within petiole sheath The color of the veins within the petiole sheath can be distinctive in color. The inside of the sheath can be seen by removing the outer-most leaf from the plant.

Green sheath markings Pink-purple sheath markings

Ratio: sheath length to total length Click here for more information on how to determine this value.



© Bishop Museum, 2013. All rights reserved.