Myrsine lessertiana

Description:

Klea lau nuiPrimulaceae (Primrose family)Endemic to the Hawaiian IslandsOahu (Cultivated)Early Hawaiians used the strong wood for posts, gunwales for canoes, and beams in hale construction as well as to make anvils for beating kapa (tapa).The pinkish bark produces a red sap was used to make red dye and the wood charcoal to make black dye.The bark, leaves, and flowers of klea (Mysine spp.) were used medicinally to treat paoao (childhood disease, with physical weakening) and ea (thrush).NPH00001nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Myrsine_lessertiana