Myrsine sandwicensis

Description:

Klea lau lii Primulaceae (Primrose family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Molokai, Lnai, Maui, Hawaii)Kaala Natural Area Reserve, OahuEarly Hawaiians used the bark, leaves, and flowers of klea (Mysine spp.) medicinally to treat paoao (childhood disease, with physical weakening) and ea (thrush).Additionally, they used the wood was in making gunwales for canoes (waa) and the bright yellow, purple and red liko (new leaves) were used for lei.EtymologyThe generic name Myrsine is comes from the ancient Greek pharmacologist and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides (c.40-90 CE) name for the myrtle, which did not refer to these plants.The specific epithet sandwicensis refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called, and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770's. James Cook named the islands after John Montagu (The fourth Earl of Sandwich) for supporting Cook's voyages.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Myrsine_sandwicensis