April 8, 2007
Pikake
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Based strictly on my own anecdotal evidence, pikake (jasmine, Jasminum sambac) is the second-most popular fragrant bloom in Hawaii. Pronounced “pee-kah-kay” in Hawaiian, it is another post-contact import and very popular in lei-making. I knew that it is used in making perfumes, but discovered only today that it is also used to flavor tea. You know I’ll have to try that soon! The large shrub outside my gate and its keiki (child) in my side yard offer double blooms. Both get direct sun throughout most days, so I’m not sure why the one out front is growing wildly out of control and the keiki is a scrawny little thing. What I do know is that both are bearing heavily now and there’s not enough benedryl on this island to keep my allergies at bay. Beauty always comes with a price!
Technorati Tags: pikake, life in Hawaii, flowers, gardening, flowering shrubs
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April 8th, 2007 at 5:01 pm, Flo Says:
a haunting smile, a fresh pikake lei……
I love the smell of pikake. Then we moved into the house we live in now. Right outside the window to the computer room is a giant pikake bush. When it blooms - oh my god- you can hardly enter this room. I have to keep all the windows open and the ceiling fan on. Wow!!!
April 8th, 2007 at 5:16 pm, Molly Says:
Looking at that picture I can almost smell the jasmine!
April 8th, 2007 at 5:53 pm, Tricia Says:
So Pikake is is Jasmine Sambuc? I have that! I grow it indoors in a great big pot each winter and outside it goes Mid May through till about October. I love it! The flowers are lovely and have such a lovely scent. Mmmmm
April 8th, 2007 at 9:12 pm, henny Says:
Its the first time I heard about a pikake!Its wonderful to learn about the plants of the whole wide world!
Greets from Austria
henny
April 8th, 2007 at 10:33 pm, hyphen8 Says:
I love jasmine tea! And pikake is wonderful..in moderation. Now I have to go look at this in IE so I can see your photos.
April 9th, 2007 at 12:58 am, guppyman Says:
Can almost smell it through the monitor…
April 9th, 2007 at 1:41 am, Sheena Says:
The picture looks like it hasn’t been uploaded in binary mode, so it appears choppy to me. I looove tea. I have to see I can find a pikake tea!
April 9th, 2007 at 2:39 am, Karen Says:
Beautiful pictures, as always. Have a great week!
April 9th, 2007 at 3:18 am, Tracey Says:
Oh they look so beautiful, one of the moments where you wish the monitor could be scratch and sniff.
April 9th, 2007 at 4:11 am, Marc at GardenDesk Says:
Very nice GTS picture! Thank you for visiting my blog for Green Thumb Sunday as well.
This is my first time on your blog. I don’t know what took me so long - you really have a winner here! I’m looking forward to reading more of your back posts and following along in the future.
I guess finding new blogs is a good benefit to Green Thumb Sunday!
April 9th, 2007 at 7:16 am, MrBrownThumb Says:
Hi, Sorry I missed stopping by to comment yesterday for GTS. But I’m glad I stopped by today to see your entry…I’ve never heard of that plant so you’ve introduced me to something new. Thanks.
April 9th, 2007 at 10:21 am, Whim Says:
‘Tis the season to be sneezin’!
Do they use it to make jasmine rice as well?
April 9th, 2007 at 11:45 am, Acey Says:
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my Sunday blog post. Lucky you living in Hawaii! I look forward to visiting more frequently and learning in the process.
April 9th, 2007 at 12:20 pm, Ottawa Gardener Says:
Jasmine… I don’t think I’ve ever smelled that flower in real life. I’ve had jasmine tea though.
April 9th, 2007 at 12:35 pm, sexyinred Says:
Thanks for visiting me…but sorry that I had not have the chance to post on GTS for quite some times.
Ermmm, I never knew pikake is the other name for jasmine…until I read this, and good luck with the allergies!