Mezoneuron kavaiense
Names
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Uhiuhi
- Scientific: Mezoneuron kaviense
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List Ranking – Critically Endangered (CR D)
- Federal and State listed as Endangered
- Plant Extinction Prevention Program Target
Species Information
Uhiuhi is a rare species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is endemic to Hawai’i. It is a shrub or small tree that reaches a height of 4 to 10 m (13 to 33 ft) (“uhiuhi, kawau (Maui), kea (Maui),” n.d.). The bark is dark grey and made up of rectangular or oblong (entire leaf) platelets. The hermaphroditic flowers have pink to rose sepals (protection for flower in bud) and red anthers (pollen-producing reproductive organ of flower). It is extirpated from Lanai, but seeds from the last plants were saved and are being used to replant it on the island. Uhiuhi is a very valuable hardwood and is/was used for crafts, tools (‘o’o or digging stick, house posts, kapa beaters, la‘au kahi wauke or a board for scraping wauke to make kapa, sled runners, fish hooks, or octopus or fish spears), or weapons . It was used medicinally as well (“uhiuhi, kawau (Maui), kea (Maui)”, n.d.).
Distribution
Populations formerly existed on Kaua’i (Waimea Canyon), West Maui, Lāna’i, Hawai’i Island (North Kona District), and O’ahu (Wai’anae Range), but are only found in the Kaua’i, O’ahu, and Hawai’i Island (“Caesalpinia kavaiensis,” 2008).
Habitat
Dry, coastal mesic, and mixed mesic forests at elevations of 80 to 920 m (260 to 3,020 ft).
Threats
- Invasive species, particularly ungulates
- Wildfire
- Consumption by rats and feral ungulates
- Competition with alien invasive plants
References & Additional Resources
“Caesalpinia kavaiensis”. CPC National Collection Plant Profiles. Center for Plant Conservation. 2008-07-22.
“uhiuhi, kawau (Maui), kea (Maui)”. Hawaii Ethnobotany Online Database. Bernice P. Bishop Museum.
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