Xylosma hawaiiense

Description:

MauaSalicaceae (Willow family)Endemic to the Hawaiian IslandsOahu (Cultivated); origin: Hawaii IslandEarly Hawaiians used the hard, dense wood was for phaku kui ai (poi pounders).Modern Use:The wood is reddish brown with light and dark banding resembling growth rings. It is a heavy, hard wood, but easily worked.Fruits (Cultivated tree)www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/19655562490/in/photostream/Habit (wild tree)www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5436864033/in/photolist-...EtymologyThe generic name Xylosma is from the Greek xylon, wood, and osma, odor.The specific epithet hawaiiense refers to the fact that it is from, or belongs to, the Hawaiian Islands.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Xylosma_hawaiiense