Psydrax odorata
| Psydrax odorata | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Psydrax |
| Species: | P. odorata
|
| 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]
Description
[edit | edit source]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]
Ecology
[edit | edit source]The fruits produce many seeds which are often attacked by the larvae of Alucita objurgatella, a species of the many-plumed moths.[5]
Habitat
[edit | edit source]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]
Uses
[edit | edit source]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]
References
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