Common Name: Climbing Screwpine

General Information

Freycinetia arborea is a vigorous, evergreen, woody climbing plant that can reach into the forest canopy, with lateral stems that can grow from 0.5 to 2 metres in length. The plant produces slender aerial roots along the length of the stem, which attaches the plant to the tree or shrub on which it is growing[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Pacific Islands - Hawaii, Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, New Caledonia.

Habitat

Often abundant in the understory of mesic and wet forests and is easily visible either at ground level or at eye level attached to tree trunks. Also found on exposed ridges and slopes at higher elevations. Found at elevations from 300 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Fibre from the stems is used as cordage to bind rafters, for baskets, funnel-shaped traps, and is also plaited into helmets[]. The cordage is frequently used by hula dancers[].
The aerial roots were used by Native Hawaiians for making cordage, baskets, fish-traps and feathered helmets[].
Traditionally the roots were softened in an imu and then split so that they were pliable enough to be woven into a variety of products[].

Propagation

Seed -

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