Myoporum sandwicense
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| Myoporum sandwicense | ||||||||||||||
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Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
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| Myoporum sandwicense A.Gray |
Myoporum sandwicense or naio (also known as "bastard sandalwood" or "false sandalwood") is a species of plant in the Myoporaceae family. It is native to Hawaiʻi, and is also found on Mangaia in the Cook Islands.[1]
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[edit] Description
M. sandwicense is generally classified as a small tree, although depending on the elevation and the age of the specimen it can grow from a shrub to about 45 feet tall.[1] The leaves are green, waxy, and typically pointed, while the bark of the naio tends to be dark gray, although the bark of one unique variety on the island of Oʻahu is covered in fine, brown hairs.[2] The flowers of M. sandwicense bloom year round and are generally white or pink and bell-shaped, with a fragrant odor[1] and a turpentine taste.[2] The fruit is a waxy white berry, which usually dries out and remains attached to the branch.
[edit] Taxonomy
The common variety of M. sandwicense was described by Asa Gray.[3] A number of varieties exist, specifically degeneri Webster, fauriei (Levl.) Kraenzlin, lanaiense Webster, st.-johnii Webster, and stellatum Webster.[4] In addition, a prostrate, shrubby variety known as naio papa ("flat naio") grows only at South Point on the island of Hawaiʻi and is characterized by its similarities to creeping shrubs.[5]
[edit] Distribution
The distribution of M. sandwicense in the United States is limited to the state of Hawaiʻi.[3] Within the state, it is found on all of the major islands.[1] Although naio usually grows in dry to mesic forests and subalpine areas, it can occasionally be found on the margins of wet forest.
Outside of the United States, M. sandwicense is also found on Mangaia in the Cook Islands.
[edit] Cultivation
M. sandwicense can be cultivated using seeds separated from the fruit--the average germination time varies by reports but is most commonly noted as taking between six and eighteen months. Propagation by cuttings and air layering is also possible.[1]
[edit] Uses
The sturdy wood of M. sandwicense was used for a variety of tasks by the early Hawaiians, including log frames for their thatched houses and as long-burning torches for night fishing. The oily wood was also used as a substitute for sandalwood due to the similarity in smell when burned.[2]
Currently, a large mixed mamane-naio forest on the island of Hawaiʻi serves as the home of the Palila, an endangered native bird.[2]
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ a b c d e Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database - Myoporum sandwicense (Naio). University of Hawaii. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.
- ^ a b c d Naio: Native Hawaiian Plants. University of Hawaiʻi Kapiʻolani Community College. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ a b PLANTS Profile for Myoporum sandwicense (Naio). USDA. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Myoporum sandwicense (Bastard Sandalwood, Naio, Sandal-wood). Zipcodezoo.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Rick Barboza (2003-01-24). In the Garden - Naio papa. Honolulu Star. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
