Ulaula Poni
Other Names: Poni Ulaula
General Characteristics: Medium in height to tall, moderately spreading, maturing within 8 to 10 months, producing from 5 to 10 oha; recognized by the dark reddish-purple petioles, inconspicuously striped with lighter color, with bright reddish edges.
Petiole: 75 to 100 cm. long, dark reddish-purple shading to purplish-lilac on upper third, inconspicuously striped with lighter color, distinctly bright reddish at edge, a purple ring at base with narrow, bright red area for 2 to 4 cm. above.
Leaf blade: 35 to 45 cm. long, 25 to 35 cm. wide, 25 to 35 cm. from tip to base of sinus, ovate, dark glossy green with bluish cast; piko conspicuous, purple; veins bright reddish on lower surface; lobes obtuse, undulate on margins, with narrow sinus.
Corm: Flesh white with pinkish apex, the fibers yellowish; skin brilliant lilac-pink, often dark purple along leaf-scar rings.
Origin, and derivation of name: Native variety; poni, meaning "purple," refers to the petiole coloring.
Distribution: Often found associated with the other Ulaula, usually in the uplands.
Use: Occasionatly as a table taro; in early times a purple pigment was extracted from the petioles and used by the natives for dyeing tapa, straw hats, etc.
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