Piko Uaua
General characteristics: Medium in height, erect, moderately stocky, matureing in 12 to 15 months, producing from 5 to 10 oha; distingushed from other Piko by dark green petioles and pinkish base.
Petiole: 65 to 100 cm long, dark green, usually edged narrowly with dark pink or red, light pink at base with pink ring.
Leaf blade: 30 to 45 cm long, 25 to 35 cm wide, 20 to 35 cm from tip to base of sinus, ovate, nearly horizontal, chartaceous, light to dark green; piko whitish; lobes obtuse with narrow sinus.
Corm: Flesh white and slightly pinkish tinge near apex and yellowish fibers; skin cream colored.
Origin, and derivation of name: Native variety; the descriptive name Uaua, meaning “tough,” indicates that the extensive root system makes this variety difficult to pull under wetland culture.
Distribution: Throughout the islands under both upland and wetland cultures; grown most extensively in Waipio Valley, Hawaii, under wetland culture.
Use: Makes poi of good quality.
Remarks: This is one of the hardiest of the Piko taros, and probably the only one grown to any extent under upland culture.
Taken from “Taro Varieties in Hawaii” Bulletin 84 by CTAHR
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