Plumbago zeylanica
PLUMBAGO ZEYLANICA (ʻIlieʻe)
Plumbaginaceae | Rain
Plumbaginaceae
Plumbaginaceae is a family of flowering plants with a cosmopolitan distribution. The family is sometimes referred to as the leadwort or plumbago family.
Native To:
Hawaiʻi, Indigenous
Plant Status:
Secure
Plant Habit:
Grows low to ground, spreads around, white flowers
Plant Habitat:
Dry forests and sandy areas
Cultural Uses
The ancient Hawaiians used the slightly poisonous roots in small doses to ease toothaches and made a paste from the leaves and stem to help sores.
Interesting Fact
Ancient Hawaiians used the sap to make tattoos. Because the plant could only be found in particular places, one would use an ʻilieʻe tattoo to prove they had been to a certain island.