Polyscias oahuensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Polyscias oahuensis |
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Polyscias
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oahuensis
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Polyscias oahuensis is a special kind of tree found only in Hawaii. It's also known by its Hawaiian name, 'ohe mauka. This tree is part of the ivy family, but it's much bigger than the ivy you might see growing on walls! You can find ohe mauka on most of the main Hawaiian islands, like Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, but not on Niihau or Kahoolawe.
What Does Ohe Mauka Look Like?
This tree has interesting leaves. Each leaf isn't just one flat piece; it's made up of many smaller parts called leaflets. A single leaf can have anywhere from 7 to 15 of these dull-looking leaflets.
If you were to gently cut the bark of an ohe mauka tree, you would see a clear sap come out. This sap is like the tree's blood, carrying nutrients around.
Fruits and Seeds
The ohe mauka tree also produces small fruits. These fruits can be either black or purple when they are ripe. They are very important for the tree's future!
How Seeds Travel
Inside the fruits are seeds. When birds eat these fruits, they help the tree spread its seeds. After a bird eats the fruit, the seeds pass through its body and are dropped in a new spot, ready to grow into a new tree. This way, the ohe mauka can grow in many different places across the forest. This process is called seed dispersal.
Where Ohe Mauka Lives
The ohe mauka tree loves to grow in places that are moist and wet. You'll find it in the beautiful forests of the Hawaiian islands, where there's plenty of rain and humidity. These forests are its natural home, and it plays an important part in the island's ecosystem.
