Colubrina oppositifolia

Colubrina Oppositifolia plant

COLUBRINA OPPOSITIFOLIA (Kauila)

Rhamnaceae | Native Hawaiian

 

Rhamnaceae

The Rhamnaceae are a large family of flowering plants, mostly trees, shrubs, and some vines, commonly called the buckthorn family.

Native To:

Hawaiʻi

Plant Status:

Critically Endangered

Plant Habit:

Shrub or tree

Plant Habitat:

Waiʻanae Mountains

Cultural Uses

Kauila was used in Hawaiian culture in tools used for farming. In addition, it was used for chisels, weapons, and musical instruments. It was also used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat heart disease.

Interesting Fact

  • one of the hardest Hawaiian woods
  • sinks in water
  • creates small, black seed pods that explode to scatter their seeds everywhere

Learn more about Colubrina oppositifolia (Kauila)