Prince vine is remarkably versatile. It can provide sanctuary against the sun on arbors, screen out undesired scenes, furnish privacy on fences, conceal a surface area embankment, or embellish the landscape with dazzling, cascading coloration by its gorgeous flowers. In temperate climates, it's probably the most popular ipomoea for winter blooming in hothouses, where it can scale 20 to 30 feet.

It's a shame that in our urban Honolulu landscape, Kūhiō vine was removed from the green median strip of Ala Moana, between Kalākaua, 'Ena Road and Hobron Lane. The dense and lush vine was a solitary remembrance of Prince Kūhiō's elegant home of Pualeilani.

Growing this exquisite vine in our island 'āina serves as a regal, botanical tribute for our beloved, royal son of Hawai'i, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole.

Duane Choy is a Hawai'i native-plant specialist. Reach him at hanahou@ecologyfund.net.