Scientific Name: Erythrina sandwicensis
Endemic
Description: Deciduous trees up to 40 feet tall with light green leaves, reddish-tan bark, and creamy green to dark orange-colored flowers that develop into seed pods with bright orange seeds. Sharp thorns develop on the trunk and branches. The thorns begin to fade as the tree ages.
Distribution: This endemic plant is found on coastal-lowland dry forests on all the main islands.
Cultural Uses: The light wood is used culturally for constructing canoe outriggers, floats and surfboards. The seeds and individual flowers were strung into lei.
Landscaping Uses and Care: Wiliwili does well in any sunny, dry area. Initial watering is OK for establishment but the plant can be weaned completely, making it one of the easiest plants to care for.
Extra Information: MANY NON-NATIVE species of Erythrina are being grown in Hawaii and they are called Wiliwili. This misleads people into thinking that all Wiliwili are native, but there is really only one and the Erythrina sandwicensis is it.
Wiliwili