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<p>The coconut tree (<i>Cocos nucifera</i>), known as <i>niu</i> across the Pacific, is the only species in the genus <i>Cocos</i> in the Arecaceae family. For millennia, coconuts have been integral to life in the tropics, leading to the development of numerous varieties that fulfill various needs. While Hawai‘i possesses a history of Indigenous coconut culture, it currently lacks an understanding of traditional varieties or a conservation strategy for preserving coconut genetic resources, without which coconut varieties are at risk of extinction without ever even being documented. This study aims to acknowledge the diversity of Hawaiian coconuts in support of their cultural, nutritional, and ecological significance. We focus on a single variety—the revered Niu Hiwa—to deepen our understanding of Indigenous Hawaiian <i>niu</i> diversity. Our research included informal interviews with ten participants to explore the form and function of Niu Hiwa and morphological documentation of 260 coconut trees across five Hawaiian Islands. The findings indicate that Niu Hiwa is a distinct variety that continues to exist today but faces significant conservation challenges. We explore the difficulties and strategies involved in preserving Hawai‘i’s coconut genetic resources, using Niu Hiwa as a representative case for recognizing the unique nature of Hawai‘i’s coconut varieties.</p>

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Identification and Preservation of the Hawaiian “Niu Hiwa” Within Hawai‘i’s Coconut Diversity

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月29日

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  • Indrajit Kumara Samarasingha Gunasekara,
  • Noa Kekuewa Lincoln,
  • Manulani Aluli Meyer,
  • Jesse Mikasobe-Keali‘inohomoku,
  • Heather McMillen

摘要

The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera), known as niu across the Pacific, is the only species in the genus Cocos in the Arecaceae family. For millennia, coconuts have been integral to life in the tropics, leading to the development of numerous varieties that fulfill various needs. While Hawai‘i possesses a history of Indigenous coconut culture, it currently lacks an understanding of traditional varieties or a conservation strategy for preserving coconut genetic resources, without which coconut varieties are at risk of extinction without ever even being documented. This study aims to acknowledge the diversity of Hawaiian coconuts in support of their cultural, nutritional, and ecological significance. We focus on a single variety—the revered Niu Hiwa—to deepen our understanding of Indigenous Hawaiian niu diversity. Our research included informal interviews with ten participants to explore the form and function of Niu Hiwa and morphological documentation of 260 coconut trees across five Hawaiian Islands. The findings indicate that Niu Hiwa is a distinct variety that continues to exist today but faces significant conservation challenges. We explore the difficulties and strategies involved in preserving Hawai‘i’s coconut genetic resources, using Niu Hiwa as a representative case for recognizing the unique nature of Hawai‘i’s coconut varieties.