Psydrax odorata | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Rubiaceae |
Genus: | Psydrax |
Species: | P. odorata
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Binomial name | |
Psydrax odorata | |
Synonyms [1] [2] | |
Psydrax odorata, known as alaheʻe in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. [3] It is native to the Pacific Islands, New Guinea and Australia. [1] [4]
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), [5] and a trunk width of up to 4 in (10 cm). [6] 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. [5]
The fruits produce many seeds which are often attacked by the larvae of Alucita objurgatella, a species of the many-plumed moths. [5]
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). [5]
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. [4]
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