“Flowers of the Sea,” Hawai’i -  LIMU

Used throughout Polynesia, the name Limu, as applied to this beautifully delicate “flower of the sea”, has a lovely resonance and widely accepted association with the beauty of Hawaiian sea life. Limu is an algae (seaweed), widely used throughout the Islands culturally in ceremonial and ritual events, medicinally, gastronomically and in different designs of lei

Colloquially, Limu means a wide range of edible algae. Yet scholarly references and dictionary definitions apply a wider meaning to that word including algae that grows in moist areas on land in addition to those in the sea, including those not edibl

Too small to wrap round other food as is traditional with more commonly known larger algae, the items pictured here show the actual size and color these plants grow. (Only the background colors have been varied.)  Attached to rocks and physically strong, under water they waft softly and gracefully in all directions in the currents. However, on being removed from the sea, they clump together like a girl’s long hair coming from the shower. Hence, to re-arrange them as delicately as in these pieces, requires particular skill and patience.

They are presented in a beautiful series of designs as Limu pendants (necklaces), Limu bangles (bracelets), magnet brooches (broaches), Limu Earrings and by the very nature of their content each is unique and cannot be repeated.

Scientifically known as Portieria hornemannii, the particular red algae portrayed in this website grows on the lava coast just outside Hilo on the Big Island where it is seasonally prolific.  Not endangered, endemic or invasive, its pungent smell when first picked and later during processing ensures it will also not be eaten!  Pressed, dehydrated and sealed in a jeweler’s resin, each piece is highly attractive, inert, durable, very practical to wear – a unique gift as a Hawaiian “flower of the sea.”

Enjoy your Limu!