Poni means to crown, and mo'i means a king, so combined the meaning is coronation, which is thought to have developed due to a misunderstanding of pronunciation. It is a native herb of the Mediterranean, and was introduced relatively recently to the islands. It is often used for lei and bouquets. The toothed edges of the petals are easily distinguishable as a quilt appliqu . This quilt was made by Lilla Robinson, a relative of the current owner, Margot Morgan.
Leaves are huge, dull green, and deeply lobed.
Ripe fruit is 5 to 8 inches in diameter, and weighs up to 10 pounds. The breadfruit pattern is one of the oldest and most popular, as it symbolizes abundant growth, food, and wisdom. Hawaiian custom said that if your first quilt was ulu, your house would always be with food. One legend says that Pele, the volcano goddess, became angry with Kamehameha because his offerings had not been generous enough, and she destroyed his grove of 'ulu trees. Another says that Niheu, a hero who displeased the gods by being mischievous and too enterprising, especially angered them by stealing a breadfruit that one of them used to roll thunder across the floor of the underworld.