Hawaiian Name(s): ma‘aloa, ma‘oloa, ‘oloa.

Scientific Name: Neraudia melastomifolia

Vernacular Name: none

Family: Urticaceae

Status: endemic

Authority: Gaudich.

Description: Shrubs or small trees to 5 m.

Habitat N. melastomifolia occurs in mesic and diverse mesic forest 270–1160 m (Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, W. Maui) (Wagner et al. 1990:1303–1304).

Medicines: For the treatment of lepo pa‘a (constipation), the flowers, leaf bud, and tap root of hapue (Urera glabra) and maaloa are mixed with ‘akoko leaves and leaf buds (Chamaesyce spp.), and kō kea (white sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum).These are pounded into a liquid and then strained with ‘ahu‘awa (Cyperus javanicus), and mixed with pia (Tacca leontopetaloides) and stirred. The liquid medicine is drunk and followed by broiled lu‘au and ‘uala (sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas) (Chun 1994:80).

Non Medicinal Uses: Inner bark was (rarely) used for making kapa (Abbott 1992:51)

Specific gravity of wood: unknown

Famous Locations:

Mele:

`Ōlelo Noeau:

Dye Color and Parts:

Kino lau:

Location on Bishop Museum Kalihi Campus:

Propagation Information: