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- Alahe’e flower
Scientific Name: Psydrax odoratum
Indigenous
Description: A large tree (20-30 ft.) with glossy green leaves and small, white, highly fragrant flower clusters. As the tree grows, it has a radially symmetric growth pattern to it, somewhat like a Christmas Tree, which by the way it subs as an excellent one. Not only that if you keep it alive in a pot then you can plant it in your yard after.
Distribution: This indigenous tree is found in the dry to mesic forests on all the main islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe. In certain localities you can still find this plant along the coast
Cultural Uses: Digging tools and Adze handles were made from the hard wood of this plant while a black dye was also made from the leaves. In addition the flowers and fruit are used in lei.
Landscape Uses and Care: Alahe’e loves full sun and or partial shade and requires minimal watering once plant is established in the ground. Looks great as a single specimen plant or even used as a hedge.
Additional Info: The name alahe’e means slippery/wandering fragrance. It gets this name because when in full bloom, the plant is completely covered in flower clusters and many times you’ll smell the plant before you actually see it.
Alahee
