Scientific Name: Sapindus oahuensis
Also Known As: Kaulu, Aulu (On Oahu)
Endemic: Kaua’i, O’ahu
Description: Stunning trees up to 45 ft. tall with dark, pale green leaves up to a foot long and three to four inches wide. The outer bark of lonomea is often a very light gray almost white color which adds great contrast to the leaves as well as any other dark background. The flowers are small and emerge on a skinny spike but the fruit are about two inches long, over an inch across and look like dried dates. Within the fruit is a large black, pear shaped seed that is somewhat rough in texture.
Distribution: This endemic tree is found only on the western side of Kaua’i and both the Wai’anae and Ko’olau mountains on O’ahu in dry to mesic forests.
Cultural Uses: The black and naturally glossy seeds of lonomea were often strung into lei.
Landscape Uses and Care: Plant lonomea wherever you want a nice shade tree. It is very easy to maintain, needs very little water and provides a great shelter from the blazing sun. Few pests bother lonomea and it will do best in well drained soil and full sun.
Extra Info: The name lonomea is only used for this plant on the island of Kaua’i, on O’ahu it goes by either kaulu or aulu.
Lonomea