Scientific name Rhus sandwicensis | Genus Rhus Rank Species | |
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Similar Rhus michauxii, Rhus microphylla, Rhus taitensis, Rhus angustifolia, Rhus kearneyi | ||
Rhus sandwicensis, commonly known as neneleau, neleau or Hawaiian sumac, is a species of flowering plant in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, that is endemic to Hawaii. It is small tree, reaching a height of 4.5–7.5 m (15–25 ft) and a trunk diameter of 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in). Neneleau inhabits dry, coastal mesic, mixed mesic and wet forests at elevations of 180–610 m (590–2,000 ft) on all main islands.
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Uses
Neneleau wood was used by Native Hawaiians to make laʻau lomi lomi (massage sticks) and ʻumeke (calabashes).
Cultural significance
Neneleau is mentioned in the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant.
References
Rhus sandwicensis Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA