Kingdom Plantae Family Rubiaceae Tribe Vanguerieae Scientific name Psydrax odorata | Order Gentianales Subfamily Ixoroideae Genus Psydrax Rank Species | |
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Similar Psydrax, Diospyros sandwicensis, Canthium, Nototrichium, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia | ||
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.
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Description
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.
Ecology
The fruits produce many seeds which are often attacked by the larvae of Orneodes objurgatella, a species of moth.
Habitat
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).
Uses
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.