What the Heliconia

Aloha! At Koili Point, we work daily to create a relaxing, tropical paradise and what better way to do that than with Heliconias as a backdrop.

In some parts of the world, these colorful plants are referred to as Lobster Claw Gingers. Here, we say, they are really nice to look at.

They do require a tropical environment to flourish and they make great vase additions assuming you have a long, tall, clear glass vase which we do. Just ask!

At Koili Point, we started with one heliconia plant, and from that mother plant over the years, we have taken new growth stalk keikis and replanted them. Lyman is a magician when it comes to this.

As you will see at Koili Point, by using various ginger plants in this fashion, we have been able to continue creating natural visual barriers around the property.

Recently, I was researching health benefits of heliconia plants as typically, plants have many benefits we are not necessarily aware of. In this case, I found that the leaves and flowers of heliconias contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties.

The leaves of the heliconia plant can be dried and powdered to make a tea that is said to be beneficial for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis. In addition, the flowers are believed to be beneficial in treating skin conditions such as eczema.

With the rising costs of health care, we may try this in the not too distant future!

With that, our Hawaiian word of the day: ' Keiki' -- In English it translates to: "child or offspring". Plant related, it means "shoots or suckers."

Aloha! Check availability for both houses at: https://www.airbnb.com/p/oceanfront-ac-pool

If there are topics you would like to know more about in future blogs, kindly let me know at koilipoint@gmail.com. Mahalo! Len