G. P. W. Collection. Plate LXIX 



Vaccinium rcticnlatum. 



" OHELO." 



This is an erect dwarf shrub growing" to a height of from one 

 to two feet, having stilT, crowded branches with leaves varying 

 in form, from oblong to obovate, and in color from green to 

 green tinged with yellow and red. The white tlowers are soli- 

 tary, and come mostly in the axils of the true leaves. The glo- 

 bose fruit is a fleshy, shiny berry, much resembling" the cran- 

 berry ; in color it is yellow or pale rose, and is covered with a 

 waxy bloom. 



The Ohelo thrives best in the higher elevations, from 4000 

 to 8000 feet. It grows particularly well on the mountain slopes 

 of Hawaii and Maui. It is an edible berry, and is the principal 

 food of the rare Hawaiian goose, now to be found in only a few 

 localities. The Ohelo has always been a favorite subject of 

 Hawaiian songs and legends, and was used as one of the offer- 

 ings to the Goddess Pele. 



