Kōlea lau nui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kōlea lau nui |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Myrsine
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| Species: |
lessertiana
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The kōlea lau nui (scientific name: Myrsine lessertiana) is a special type of tree found only in Hawaiʻi. This means it is endemic to the islands, growing naturally nowhere else in the world. It belongs to a group of plants called colicwood.
You can find the kōlea lau nui growing in different kinds of forests across all the main Hawaiian islands. It lives in dry forests, coastal mesic forests (which are somewhat wet), mixed mesic forests, and wet forests. These trees grow at elevations from about 210 to 1,220 meters (690 to 4,000 feet) above sea level.
The kōlea lau nui is a small to medium-sized tree. It can grow up to 18 meters (59 feet) tall. Its trunk can be quite wide, measuring between 0.3 and 0.6 meters (1 to 2 feet) across.
Traditional Uses of Kōlea Lau Nui Wood
Native Hawaiians used the wood from the kōlea lau nui tree for many important things. Its strong wood was perfect for making tools and parts of homes and canoes.
- Papa olonā: These were scrapers used to prepare Touchardia latifolia fibers. These fibers were very strong and used for making ropes and fishing nets.
- Kua kuku: These were anvils used for making kapa. Kapa is a type of cloth made from the bark of certain trees, often used for clothing or blankets.
- Pou: These were strong posts used to support the main structure of traditional Hawaiian houses.
- Kaola: These were beams, also used in house construction to help hold up the roof or floors.
- Pale: These were parts of waʻa (outrigger canoes). They were used as gunwales, which are the upper edges of the canoe's sides.
- Manu: These were decorative pieces placed at the ends of canoes, adding beauty and cultural meaning.
