The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
1) Identify cultural and ethnobotanical relationships between Pacific cultures and their crops 2) Describe diversity and conservation of tropical plant species

Pacific flora are unique and culturally important to native Hawaiians.  This workshop capitalizes on the location of the ASHS 2011 conference and provides an opportunity to learn more about the heritage and horticulture of Pacific cultures. Our first speaker, Katie Kamelamela will speak about the Polynesian arrival to the Hawaiian Islands and how these people used their natural and cultural resources to adapt and thrive in a new environment prior to European arrival.  In a modern context, she will describe how today’s Hawaiian culture has made use of available resources.  Peter Van Dyke, manager of the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, will discuss advanced horticultural practices of ancient Hawaiians using the Kona Field System for dryland production on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai.  This is followed by a presentation by Diane Ragone, describing the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s extensive breadfruit collection, highlighting the history, ethnobotany, diversity, and conservation of this staple Pacific crop.  The workshop concludes with a presentation by Francis Zee and Kim Hummer on a multi-institutional project to develop the native Hawai’ian Ôhelo berry through small scale cultivation, thus promoting conservation and sustainable use of this crop for culinary purposes. The workshop promises to be an enlightening exposure to diverse tropical plants and their key relationships with Pacific cultures.