Exceptional Tree Library

Exceptional Tree Catalog

12/13/2016

Comments

'Ala'a - Pouteria sandwicensis

12/11/2016

Comments

Large endemic tree.
Provided sticky latex used to catch birds.
Feathers were made into feather lei and cloaks for the ali’I (royalty).
Hard wood was used for canoes, handles of digging tools, spears, and in construction.
Yellow and green berries.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

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Alani – Melicope anisate

12/9/2016

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Shrub or multitrunked small tree ranging in height from 6-25 ft.
Bark is smooth and grey-green.
Groups of 1 to 3 flowers from at base to leaves.
Native only to Kaua’i.

Source: (NTBC, 2016)

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Albizia – Albizia procera

12/8/2016

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Image Source: Forest and Kim Starr (Wiki Commons)

Grow up to 125 ft.
Introduced to Hawaii shortly after WWI.
First recorded planting in 1925.
Flower is cream white.
Wood is used for canoes and shields.

Source: (Majesty II,1991)

Native to the Moluccas, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
Highly invasive in wet areas where it can quietly dominate the canopy.

Source: (Wakeman, 2008)

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Allspice – Pimenta dioica

12/7/2016

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Image Source: Victor Engel (Wiki Commons)

Grows up to 50 ft.
From West Indies and Central America.
Foliage is highly fragrant.
Black, purple fruit.
Dried fruit produces the allspice of commerce.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

It is also native and introduced to Hawaii.
Mainly used for ornamental purposes for its trunk, leaves, and fragrant blossoms.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

Whitish grey bark that peels in thin sheets.
Fruit is harvested while immature when it is most strongly flavored.
Eugenol oil is used for tooth aches and as a digestive aid.

Source: (NTBG, 2016)

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Banuyo - Wallaceodendron celebicum

12/6/2016

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Endemic to Malaysia.
Tropical coastal ands inland rain forest are the most common habitats.
Named for Russel Wallace who was a British explorer, zoologist, and botanist.
Wood can be used for flooring, furniture, and cabinet making.
Seeds are in individual closed envelopes.

(Source: KRBG, 2016)

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Baobab Tree – Adansonia digitate

12/5/2016

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Native location is the semi- aride areas of Africa such as Kenya and to the northern parts of the Republic of South Africa.
Dominates landscape with 100 ft bulging trunk and huge canopy.
In some parts of Africa, they are worshipped and their trunks are used for burial.
Seed pulp and leaves are eaten as vegetable dishes. The fruit is the base for a cooling drink.
Bark has medicine properties.
Elephants destroy these trees in times of drought to get the watery pulp at the base of the trunk.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Native to tropical and drier regions of Africa.
Deciduous tree, smooth bark, extremely wide circumference.
White flowers on long stalks that have 5 petals.
Also known as upside down tree.
Extremely old ages are associated with this tree, which are being dated to 1,275 years old.

Source: (KRBG)

Called bottle tree or dead rat tree.
Originates from Central Africa.
Medicine derived from bark and oil.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

Africa legend claims that the baobab asked God to be replanted in the cool mountains instead of the hot plains. God moved the baobab to the mountains, but the baobab didn’t like it there either and begged to go back. God was irritated and returned the baobab back to the plains upside down.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

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Blue Mexican Fig- Ficus petiolaris

12/4/2016

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Other common name is rock fig.
Usually between 18-27 ft. tall.
Occasionally harvested for medicinal purposes as well as timber, gum, and fiber.
Native to Mexico.
It is commonly found growing in rocky areas.
Depends on a specific type of wasp to pollinate in order to keep breeding.
Strong roots have been used by natives in making suspension bridges.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Bo Tree (Peepul) - Ficus religiosa

12/3/2016

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Image Source: Ji-elle (Wiki Commons)

Buddha achieved enlightenment beneath a Bo tree.
Native to India and sacred to Hindus.
Believed it to be home to goddess Bhawani, who can bestow fertility.
They have long stemmed, heart-shaped leaves.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Also known as Peepul tree and it is a great sin to cause destruction to these trees.
Fibers were formerly extracted for paper.
All parts of trees have medicinal properties.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Sacred fig in Thailand and Pakistan.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

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Brazil Nut - Bertholletia excelsa

12/2/2016

Comments

Image Source: mauroguanandia (commons.wikimedia)

Image Source: Golgher (commons.wikimedia)

Native to Amazon Basin in South America.
Thick walled seed pods.
Leathery, bright green leaves.
Cream colored flowers.
Can grow up to 150 ft. tall.
Very rare in the islands.

(Source: Majesty I, 1982)

Large evergreen tree.
Its seed is one of the most commonly consumed one in the world.
Bark of trees can be used for medicinal purposes.
Oil from seeds can be applied to burns.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

Comments

Brazilian Fern - Schizolobium parahyba

12/1/2016

Comments

Native to South America.
Deciduous tree with a wide-spreading, flat topped crown.
Can grow up to 60-105 ft.
One of the fastest growing trees in the world.
Their habitat is mainly in the Atlantic rainforest.
Very good for restoring land establishing woodland gardens.

(Source: (UTP, 2014)

Image Source: Mauroguanandi (commons.wikimedia)

Comments

Breadfruit Tree – Artocarpus altilis

11/30/2016

Comments

Image Source: Forest and Kim Starr (Wiki Commons)

SE Asia origins.
Wood is light and strong, great for canoes, surfboards, and drums.
Also known as ‘ulu in Hawaii.
Sticky sap was used to catch birds.
Widely cultivated for its edible fruit.
Wasn’t eaten in “Old Hawaii”, was fed to pigs to get fat for luau.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Evergreen tree growing up to 85 ft., but usually 50 ft.
Large leaves can get up to 30 cm.
Wood is resistant to termites which makes it an ideal material for homes/boats.

Source: (KRBG)

Ornamental foliage and alrge green fruits.
Native to the Malay Peninsula.
Poor wind, salt, and drought tolerance.
Plant away from paved surfaces because of fruit falling.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

A single fruit from breadfruit tree can weight up to 7 pounds.
Trunk was used for the tall drums, paho heiau, that were part of religious observations at heiau.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

Navigators from Tahiti brought the first breadfruit to Hawaii.
Breadfruit is most valuable food source among members of the Fig family.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Comments

Bunya-Bunya Tree – Araucaria bidwillii

11/29/2016

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Image Source: Line1 (Wiki Commons)

Can grow up to 150 ft. tall.
Natvie to SE coast of Queensland, Australia.
Very similar to its close relatives the Hoop pine and Norfolk pine.
Has not been planted heavily in Hawaii for reforestation.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

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Cabbage Palm - Roystonea oleracea

11/28/2016

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Image Source: Kenraiz (commons.wikimedia)

Best grown in full sun.
Good wind and salt resistance.
Used as a street or avenue tree.
Fast growing tree.
Native to Caribbean and South America.
Flower sheath is used in arrangements.

(Source: Rauch, Weissich, 2000)

Also known as Carribean Royal Palm.

(Source: Wageman: 2008)

Evergreen tree with a single stem.
Can grow from 48-66 ft. tall.
Grown as an ornamental tree.
Habitat is mainly in lowland areas.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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California Feather Duster Palm - Rhopalostylis sapida

11/27/2016

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Native to New Zealand.
Also called the Nikau Palm.
Palm is usually around 45 ft. tall.
Flowers are a pinkish color.
The fruit is red.
Habitat is coastal to lowland forests.

(Source: NZPCN, 2016)

Image Source: Dewees (commons.wikimedia)

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California Pepper Tree - Schinus Molle

11/26/2016

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Image Source: Starr (commons.wikimedia)

Native to the Andes of Peru.
Weeping tree.
Reaches 35 ft. in height.
Flowers are in small clusters with rose colored fruits.
Does its best in cooler, drier conditions in higher elevations.

(Source: Rauch, Weissich, 2000)

Also called the Peruvian Pepper tree.
Fast growing.
Large quantities of their seeds can be toxic.
Pollen can cause asthmatic reactions.
Habitat is in dry lands with accessible underground water.
Dried and roasted berries are used as a pepper substance.
Oil is used in candy and baked goods as a spice.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

Image Source: Barra (commons.wikimedia)

Comments

Camphor Tree – Cinnamomum camphora

11/25/2016

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Image Source: Peripitus (Wiki Commons)

Height can reach up to 80ft.
Native to China and Japan.
The tree contains a fragrance that is a natural insect repellant and has even been used in perfumes.
Hawaiian Monarchy frequently used this for wood cabinets.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

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Canary Island Date Palm - Phoenix canariensis

11/24/2016

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Also known as Canary Date Palm.
Native to Canary Islands.
Evergreen tree.
Yellow flowers with reddish color fruit.
Grows around 30 ft. tall.
Habitat is a bushy environment.

(Source: EOL, 2016)

Image Source: Bidgee (commons.wikimedia)

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Caribbean Royal Palm Tree - Roystonea regia

11/23/2016

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Native to Cuba.
Fast growing.
Grown in full sun in well - drained soil.
Can grow up to 70 ft. tall.
The flower sheath is used in arrangements.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

First seeds were brought by Dr. Gerrit P. Judd from the West Indies.
Prized for elegance in places of honor in the world.

Source: (Majesty I, 1982)

Also known as Cuban Royal Palm.
Brought to Hawaii in 1850.
Also native in Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and Florida.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

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Caroline Ivory Palm - Metroxylon amicarum

11/22/2016

Comments

Image Source: Starr (commons.wikimedia)

According to the Ornamental Trees of Hawaii by Joseph Rock, Mr. Scott bought and planted the first Ivory Nut Palm in Hawaii in 1886.
Nut is extremely hard.

(Source: Majesty I, 1982)

Also known as the Ivory Nut Palm or Ivory Palm.
Native to Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador.
Seeds are edible and when it hardens, it resembles ivory.
Used to make small objects.

(Source: Wageman, 2008)

Also native in some islands of Micronesia and Polynesia.
Leaves can be used for roofing.
The starch can be eaten raw.

(Source: Elevitch, 2006)

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Chaulmoogra Oil - Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus

11/21/2016

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Native to East Asia, Southern China, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Evergreen tree and occasionally shrub-like.
Growing 21-60 ft. tall.
Produces chaulmoogra oil which is used medicinally in treatment of skin diseases.
Habitat is mainly rainforests or in evergreen forests or along river banks.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Chebulic Myrobalan - Terminalia chebula

11/20/2016

Comments

Image Source: Zhangzhugang (commons.wikimedia)

Also known as Black Myrobalan.
Native to East Asia.
Tree has a rounded crown of spreading branches.
Can reach a height of 75 ft.
Fruit and seeds are edible.
Has medicinal properties.
Produces little yellow and white flowers.

(Source: UTP, 2014)

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Chicle - Manilkara zapota

11/19/2016

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Image Source: H.K Arum (Wiki Commons)

Brown fruit with reddish flesh.
Evergreen was one major source of key ingredients in chewing gum.
Wood is also reddish, brown and is very strong and durable.
Early Mayas used it for heavy construction and for carved figures over temple doors.

Source: (Majesty I. 1982)

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Chinese Banyan – Ficus Microcarpa

11/18/2016

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Grow up to 60 ft. high with a dense canopy.
Produces multiple aerial roots in wet areas.
Tolerant of all soils.
Good wind, smog, vog, and drought tolerance, as well as moderate salt tolerance.
Prominent and invasive root system.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

From India/SE Asia/Australia/North of Ryukyu islands of Japan.
Naturalized in Hawaii and is most of the most common trees.
Frequently planted due to its large size.
Best used for park and avenue plantings.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Also known as Indian Laurel or Malayan banyans.
Each fig species has its own species of gall wasp, which it needs to pollination.

Source: (Wageman, 2006)

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Coconut Palms – Cocos nucifera

11/17/2016

Comments

Height can reach up to 80 ft. and live over 100 years.
Very common palm tree.
Tallest specimen in U.S.
Extensive root system, slender trunks can resist wave force.
Coconut is important in ali’I and maka’ainana culture.

Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

Native to Eastern tropical zones.

Source: (NTBG, 2016)

Universal symbol for tropics.
World’s most economically important plant.
Coconuts, flowers, or leaves could be green, yellow, or orange.
Good salt tolerance at root zone, but leaves can get salt spray damage if not rain-washed.
They need moisture.

Source: (Rauch, 2000)

Worn above dancer’s knee in ceremonial dance.
Coconut was generally planted and eaten on by men.

Source: (Wageman, 2008)

Called “tree of heaven” and “tree of life”.
Thrives in sun.
Most dangerous disease to them is the lethal yellowing disease.
Coconut water is the “perfect drink”.
Provides coconut milk.
Falling coconuts can be extremely dangerous.

Source: (Elevitch, 2006)

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Exceptional Tree Catalog

'Ala'a - Pouteria sandwicensis

Alani – Melicope anisate

Albizia – Albizia procera

Allspice – Pimenta dioica

Banuyo - Wallaceodendron celebicum

Baobab Tree – Adansonia digitate

Blue Mexican Fig- Ficus petiolaris

Bo Tree (Peepul) - Ficus religiosa

Brazil Nut - Bertholletia excelsa

Brazilian Fern - Schizolobium parahyba

Breadfruit Tree – Artocarpus altilis

Bunya-Bunya Tree – Araucaria bidwillii

Cabbage Palm - Roystonea oleracea

California Feather Duster Palm - Rhopalostylis sapida

California Pepper Tree - Schinus Molle

Camphor Tree – Cinnamomum camphora

Canary Island Date Palm - Phoenix canariensis

Caribbean Royal Palm Tree - Roystonea regia

Caroline Ivory Palm - Metroxylon amicarum

Chaulmoogra Oil - Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus

Chebulic Myrobalan - Terminalia chebula

Chicle - Manilkara zapota

Chinese Banyan – Ficus Microcarpa

Coconut Palms – Cocos nucifera

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