Mana Eleele (Poni Mana)
General characteristics: Medium in height, erect, maturing within 9 to 12 months, producing two or three branches; readily distinguished from other Mana by blackish petioles.
Petiole: 55 to 85 cm long, purplish-black, pink to whitish at edge, a dark reddish-purple ring at base with lilac pink for 3 to 4 cm above.
Leaf blade: 35 to 50 cm long, 25 to 40 cm wide, 30 to 40 cm from tip to base of sinus, ovavte, dark green; veins purplish on lower surface; lobes acute with shallow sinus.
Corm: Flesh white tinged with lilac near apex, with yellowish fibers; skin dark purple.
Origin, and derivation of name: native variety; the descriptive name Eleele refers to the color of petioles.
Distribution: Limited, confined chiefly to the island of Hawaii; planted almost exclusively under upland culture.
Use: Mainly as table taro for home consumption.
Remarks: This variety is said to be the most drought-resistant of the Hawaiian taros.
Taken from “Taro Varieties in Hawaii” Bulletin 84 by CTAHR
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