Psydrax odorata

Psydrax odorata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Psydrax
Species:
P. odorata
Binomial name
Psydrax odorata
Synonyms
  • Coffea odorata G.Forst.
  • Canthium odoratum (G.Forst.) Seem.
  • Ixora odorata (G.Forst.) Spreng.
  • Plectronia odorata (G.Forst.) F.Muell.

Psydrax odorata, known as alaheʻe in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It is native to the Pacific Islands, New Guinea and Australia. The first name, Psydrax, is the definition for a blister or bump, while odoratus defines as a nice aroma.

Description

The species range from 6–30 ft (1.8–9.1 m) in height, has a spread of 3–7 ft (0.91–2.13 m), and a trunk width of up to 4 in (10 cm). The leaves are glossy green in color, are up to 3.5 inches (89 mm) long and elliptic. The fruits of the plant are quite round, are black in color and 3/8 wide. They also have the capability to live for 5 years while being able to live in difficult environments such as: dry soil, little sunlight for photosynthesis and little to no fertilizer. The white flowers are bisexual. Meaning that the white flowers of Psydrax odorata have both male and female organs for reproductive. This aids in the survivability for offspring.

Ecology

The fruits produce many seeds which are often attacked by the larvae of Alucita objurgatella, a species of the many-plumed moths.

Habitat

The species can be found growing in dry shrub land and in dry to moist forests at elevations of up to 2,700 feet (800 m). This Psydrax Odorata plant is mainly found in the Hawaiian Islands. This species can be specifically seen on a hill called Kaluakauila in O'ahu. They are also found in the Big Island of Hawaii and Lanai.

Uses

Native Hawaiians used the very hard wood of alaheʻe to make koʻi alaheʻe (adzes for cutting softer woods such as Erythrina sandwicensis), ʻōʻō (digging sticks), and ʻo (short spears). A black dye was made from the leaves. Natural medicine for the sick was used from the stem and leaves. Some people used leaves (as well as other ingredients) to disinfect bloody fluids of the body. The leaves were specifically used because Pacific Islanders and Indigenous Australian trusted its properties to take effect on severe and non-severe injuries.

The whole tree of Psydrax odorata.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Psydrax odorata". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Canthium odoratum (G. Forst.) Seem". ITIS Standard Reports. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Psydrax odorata (G. Forst.) A.C. Sm. & S. Darwin". The PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  4. 1 2 Medeiros, A. C.; C.F. Davenport; C.G. Chimera (1998). "Auwahi: Ethnobotany of a Hawaiian Dryland Forest" (PDF). Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
  5. 1 2 3 "Native Plants of Hawai'i - Psydrax odorata". www.nativeplantsofhawaii.org. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Psydrax odorata". Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  7. ↑ Little Jr., Elbert L.; Roger G. Skolmen (1989). "Alaheʻe" (PDF). Common Forest Trees of Hawaii (Native and Introduced). United States Forest Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-06-10. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
  8. ↑ "Bisexual Botany". Lincoln Park Zoo. For Wildlife. For All. June 20, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  9. 1 2 "Tropical Dry Forests of the Pacific - Hawaii". www.sscnet.ucla.edu. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Flora of Hawaii: Alahee". Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club. 2022-09-26. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  11. ↑ "Alaheʻe (Psydrax odorata) – Maui Nui Botanical Gardens". Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  12. ↑ "Relationship: Injuries and Malay Bush - Caring Sunshine". Retrieved 2026-04-21.