Hawaiian Name(s): kalia

Scientific Name: Elaeocarpus bifidus

Vernacular Name: none

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

Status: endemic

Authority: Hook. & Arn.

Description: Trees 10-13 m.

Habitat Found in diverse mesic forest to wet forest and margins of bogs 100-900 m on O‘ahu, 1200–1300 m on Kaua‘i (Wagner et al. 1990:589).

Medicines:

Non Medicinal Uses: Bast fiber made into cordage (Hillebrand 1888:54); larger branches as house rafters, smaller ones as thatching rods (ahoa) (Rock 1913:291; Little & Skolmen 1989:188)

Specific gravity of wood: unknown

Famous Locations:

Mele:

`Ōlelo Noeau:

Dye Color and Parts:

Kino lau:

Location on Bishop Museum Kalihi Campus:

Propagation Information:

Seed: Fruit length approximately 20 mm. Photograph: H.Lennstrom.
Click for image