NA LEI

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Lei Wilelaiki

This native of Brazil probably was introduced at the end of the 19th century or at the beginning of the 20th century.  By 1930 it had established itself in the Hawaiian environment where it thrives in the waste lands.  The red berries of the female trees are used as a substitute for holly berries in wreaths at Christmas time.  The Hawaiian name, wilelaiki, originated with Willie Rice, a politician, who often wore a hat lei of the berries.

Reference:  Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald