Common Name:

General Information

Mezoneuron kauaiense is a shrub or small tree growing from 3.5 - 10 metres tall[].
The wood was traditionally used by local people to make spears. The plant is too rare nowadays to be harvested.
The plant is endemic to the islands of Hawaii and Oahu. Eight subpopulations are known, totalling 60 individuals, however, many of these are senescent and probably are non-reproductive. Threats include pigs, cattle, deer, goats, introduced plants, rats, fire, volcanic eruptions, sheep, black twig borer and collection by humans. The plant has been classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Pacific - Hawaii.

Habitat

Dry and moist forests[]. Dry forest ecosystems, ranging in elevation from 78 - 910 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Seed grown plants flowered after 2 1/2 years at Waimea Arboretum[]. There are reports that seedlings have flowered after 1 year while still in their pots[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The almost black wood is highly valued for its colour, grain, and density[, ]. It is very hard, close-grained and very durable[]. It was traditionally used for making spears, and also a fishing implement known as la‘au melomelo or la‘au maklei[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates best if scarified or soaked in warm water prior to sowing[]. If scarifying, do not penetrate more than the outer seed coat, and do not soak in water afterwards as this increases the likelihood of the seed rotting[]. Treated seed usually germinates in 7 - 21 days, older seed taking longer than fresh and very old seed sometimes taking several months[, ]. Seedlings do not transplant well so it is best to sow the seed in individual containers. Keep the planting medium a bit on the dry side since the seedlings are susceptible to root rot[].
Plants may grow slowly after initial germination; a foliar application of phosphorus may be helpful[].
For storage, air dry the cleaned seeds at room temperature. Store the seeds in a paper bag or envelope with desiccant in a refrigerator or freezer[].

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