Alphitonia ponderosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alphitonia ponderosa |
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| Alphitonia ponderosa flower | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Alphitonia
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| Species: |
ponderosa
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Alphitonia ponderosa is a special flowering tree that grows only in the Hawaiian Islands. It is often called kauila by local people. Another similar tree, Colubrina oppositifolia, also shares this name.
Contents
About the Kauila Tree
The Alphitonia ponderosa tree is usually medium to large in size. It can grow to be about 15 to 24 meters (50 to 80 feet) tall. Its trunk can be around 20 to 60 centimeters (8 to 24 inches) wide.
Leaves of Kauila
The leaves of the kauila tree grow in an alternating pattern along the branches. They are oval-shaped and measure about 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. The top side of the leaves is shiny, smooth, and green. The underside is a dull, lighter green with veins that look rust-colored.
Kauila Flowers
The flowers of A. ponderosa are small, about 6 millimeters (0.24 inches) across. They have five sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. These sepals cover five tiny petals. The flowers grow in clusters where the leaves meet the stem.
Kauila Fruit and Seeds
The fruit of the kauila tree is round and about 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) wide. It is a type of fruit called a drupe, which means it has a hard pit inside. Each fruit usually holds two or three seeds. These seeds are shiny, oblong (oval-shaped), and covered in a red coating.
Where Kauila Grows
Alphitonia ponderosa lives in different types of forests in Hawaii. You can find it in dry forests, moist coastal forests, and mixed moist forests. It grows at elevations from about 240 to 1250 meters (790 to 4,100 feet) above sea level. This tree is found on all the main Hawaiian Islands. However, it is quite rare everywhere except on the island of Kauaʻi. In very windy or exposed areas, it might grow as a shrub instead of a tall tree.
What is Kauila Wood Used For?
The wood of A. ponderosa is reddish-brown and highly valued. It is known for being very beautiful, strong, and dense. Ancient Native Hawaiians used this wood almost like metal. They made many important items from it, including:
- laʻau melomelo (fishing lures)
- pāhoa (daggers)
- ihe (short spears)
- pololū (long spears)
- ʻōʻō (digging sticks)
- hohoa (round kapa beaters, used for making cloth)
- ʻie kūkū (square kapa beaters)
- leiomano (shark tooth clubs)
- kiʻi (tiki carvings)
Why is Kauila Important to Protect?
The Alphitonia ponderosa tree is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN. This means its population is decreasing, and it faces a high risk of becoming endangered. The main reasons for its decline include:
- Its populations are spread out and separated.
- Threats from animals like rats, pigs, and deer.
- Competition from introduced plants that are not native to Hawaii.
- Dangers from wildfires.
Images for kids
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Alphitonia ponderosa flower
