Naiʻo
Hi, I’m Nai’o! I’m native to Hawaii, love the sun, and am sometimes known as false sandalwood because of my flowers’ fragrance.
About me:
Most of the time, I’m a shrub, and grow to about 8-10 ft tall, but I can sometimes become a tree and reach over 50 ft! I have dark green, glossy leaves, small, bitter tasting white fruit, and bell shaped flowers. My flowers are present all year round, grow in groups of 2-6, and range in color from white to light pink.
Where I live:
I’m found on all of Hawaii’s main islands
I grow at lots of different elevation, from sea level to around 8,000 ft most of the time
My favorite places to spend time are subalpine shrublands and dry forests, and coastal dry forests
I can also be found in mesic forests, wet forests, and low shrublands
I like spots with full sun, and I don’t need much water
Occupation:
In Hawaiian culture, my wood is used to build houses and make spears and other small tools and utensils
I’m used for soil bioremediation; I can break down and remove petroleum based substances in the ground (pretty cool right!)