Sapindus (Sapindaceae) of the Hawaiian Islands

Description:

Fruit and seed comparison of the two native Hawaiian Sapindus species.Left:Lonomea, ulu, or Oahu soapberrySapindus oahuensisEndemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai and Oahu)Right:Mnele, Ae, or SoapberrySapindus saponaria var. saponariaIndigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii Island)Photos and information of both species can be viewed at www.flickr.com/search/?text=Sapindus&user_id=50823119...Early Hawaiians used the very hard blackish seeds were used for medicinal purposes and to string for gorgeous permanent lei.The hard wood was used to make spears and for other purposes.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/