Piko Eleele
Other Names: Haehae Eleele, Helemauna, Ipuolono, Makaopio
General Characteristics: Medium in height, erect, moderately stocky, maturing within 12 to 15 months, producing from 5 to 10 oha; distinguished from other Piko taros by dark purplish petioles.
Petiole: 55 to 85 cm. long, reddish-brown to purplish, especially on lower half, with indistinct or narrow reddish edge and usually with adjacent dark green blotches, particularly near the base, a brilliant dark pink ring at base with light pink area flecked with light reddish-brown for 3 to 4 cm. above.
Leaf blade: 35 to 45 cm. long, 20 to 30 cm. wide, 20 to 30 cm. from tip to base of sinus, horizontal, broadly sagittate tapering abruptly to sharp point, fairly firm in texture, dark green; piko light green to light pinkish; lobes obtuse with narrow sinus.
Corm: Flesh white with pinkish tinge, especially near apex, and yellowish fibers; skin pale salmon-pink, often purple along leaf-scar rings.
Inflorescence: Peduncle reddish-purple; spathe 15 to 20 cm. long, the lower tubular constricted portion 3 to 4.5 cm. long, green, tinged with red at base, usually partially open exposing the ovaries, the upper portion deep yellow; spadix 5 to 6 cm. long, the sterile appendage about 4 mm. long.
Origin, and derivation of name: Native variety; called Eleele because of its dark petioles.
Distribution: Grown either as wetland or upland taro; planted quite extensively at Kona, Hawaii, under upland culture.
Use: A common poi taro; also considered an excellent table variety, and the leaves are popular for luau.
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