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Hawai'i olive facts for kids

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Hawai'i olive
Starr 060225-6117 Nestegis sandwicensis.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Nestegis
Species:
sandwicensis
Synonyms
  • Olea sandwicensis A.Gray
  • Osmanthus sandwicensis (A.Gray) Benth. & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks.
  • Gymnelaea sandwicensis (A.Gray) L.A.S.Johnson

Nestegis sandwicensis, commonly known as Hawai'i olive or olopua, is a species of flowering tree in the olive family, Oleaceae, that is endemic to Hawaii. It is found on all major islands at elevations of 30–1,300 m (98–4,265 ft) in coastal mesic and mixed mesic forests, and, especially, dry forests. It usually reaches a height of 6 m (20 ft) with a trunk diameter of 0.2 m (0.66 ft), but may reach 20 m (66 ft) in height with a trunk diameter of 0.9 m (3.0 ft).

Uses

Native Hawaiians used the hard wood of olopua to make ʻau koʻi (adze handles), apuapu (rasps for making fish hooks), ʻōʻō (digging sticks), ʻau melomelo (fishing lures), pou (house posts), pāhoa (daggers), pīkoi (tripping weapons similar to a rope dart), and spears. Because the wood burned well even if green, it was used as wahie (firewood).


See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nestegis sandwicensis para niños

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