Psydrax odorata
| Psydrax odorata | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Psydrax |
| Species: | P. odorata |
| Binomial name | |
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Psydrax odorata (G.Forst.) A.C.Sm. & S.P.Darwin |
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| Synonyms | |
Psydrax odorata, known as alaheʻe in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It is native to the Pacific Islands, New Guinea and Australia.
The species range from 6–30 ft (1.8–9.1 m) in height, has a spread of 3–7 ft (0.91–2.13 m), and a trunk width of up to 4 in (10 cm). The leaves are glossy green in colour, are up to 3.5 inches (89 mm) long and elliptic. The fruits of the plant are quite round, are black in colour and 3/8 wide.
The fruits produce many seeds which are often attacked by the larvae of Orneodes objurgatella, a species of moth.
The species can be found growing in dry shrub land and in dry to moist forests at elevations of up to 2,700 feet (800 m).
Native Hawaiians used the very hard wood of alaheʻe to make koʻi alaheʻe (adzes for cutting softer woods such as Erythrina sandwicensis), ʻōʻō (digging sticks), and ʻo (short spears). A black dye was made from the leaves.
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Wikipedia