Mahina Maapunapuna

The garden gathers many plants from both the islands and the wider world: some come from the west, like the great blooms of night dragonfruit, lily white blooms that soon fade and grow into red dragon eye fruit. Or the purple hanging wisteria, gathered for its fragrant blossoms. Others from the east like the medical rose and the field poppy, grown for their value as medicines and for their scents, coveted by perfumeries. None of the plants could be considered much to look at to the untrained eye, but to the nose, the garden is a wonder. Also of note are the great water lilies gifted to the court in the time of the previous King, given by the royal family of Tsuru as a gift and promise of aid in such unstable times. In the time of the previous dynasty, the gardens had been originally started as an aid to the hospital founded by the queen of the time. She donated her personal land to the project starting the hospital and medical school on one section, and the garden far off in another. Later, the garden was enclosed as part of the new capitol planned and designed under the reign of the previous king. The current queen still allows use of the gardens to the public, but are now under the care of the Royal Apothecary, and so focus is not on pleasure but on efficacy of each plant.

Fauna & Flora

Previously noted were the night-dragon flower, purple hanging wisteria, medical rose, the field poppy, and the water lily. All were brought from outside the islands of the noon sea. Of much more interest to both the casual visitor and well trained scholar are the great collections of endemic plants gathered for their scents and medicinal value.

Alternative Name(s)

The bubbling spring of the moon

Type

Pond

Location under

Royal Palace at Kahua Ho'olulu

Owner/Ruler

Makawela Karina Maapu, Queen of Iolani

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Iolani