Maile (Alyxia stellata) is a highly regarded native vine in Hawai‘i for its fragrance and use in lei and ceremony. It is one of the most precious lei to give or receive. Growing demand for lei, changes in land stewardship, the introduction of ornamental (and invasive) species, perhaps the absence of fruit eating and seed spreading native birds, and over harvesting have all led to a decline in maile groves. Today, a few farmers grow and steward native maile varieties throughout Hawai‘i. Responsibly harvesting maile ensures it is plentiful for the next generation. Always ask for permission from the place and caretaker. Anecdotally, the decline of maile groves has coincided with the decline of the ‘alalā (the native Hawaiian crow). A frugivore, the ‘alalā ate understory native fruit, such as maile, spreading the seed throughout the forest. Today, the ‘alalā has been extinct in the wild for many years, but they are being raised in captivity and have been reintroduced to the wild with high hopes for their reestablishment. The importance of our native forest birds and our mindful maile harvest practices demonstrate both the interconnectedness of our Hawaiian forest as well as what we can do to help it to grow.
- David Shepard