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Hawai'i kauilatree
Scientific Name: Alphitonia ponderosa
Family: Rhamnaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Hawai'i Kauila Tree (Alphitonia ponderosa)
The Alphitonia ponderosa, commonly known as the Hawai'i kauila tree, is a perennial tree species native to Hawai'i.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the tree's very hard wood, which could pose a chewing hazard for some pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alphitonia ponderosa Hillebr.
- Family: Rhamnaceae (based on mention of "Alphitaniaponderosa")
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms:
- Alphitonia ponderosa var. auwahiensis H. St. John
- Alphitonia ponderosa var. costata H. St. John
- Alphitonia ponderosa var. kauila H. St. John
- Alphitonia ponderosa var. lanaiensis H. St. John
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Hawai'i.
- Found in scrublands and dry forests.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a perennial tree.
- Very hard wood with a Janka hardness of 3970 lbf (1801 kgf).
- Specific gravity of 1.21.
- Bark color: gray
Quirky Facts
- The wood of the Kauila tree was prized by native Hawaiians for its iron-hard quality.
- Kauila wood was historically used for making spears.
Traditional Uses
- The text mentions that the wood was known for being iron-hard and was used by Hawaiians.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)