Alahe’e
Names
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Alahe’e
- Scientific: Psydrax odorata
Conservation Status
- NatureServe Heritage Rank G5 – Secure
Species Information
Alahe’e is indigenous to Hawaii and is part of the Rubiaceae family. It is a shrub or small tree ranging from 6 to 30 ft tall and 3 to 7 ft wide. The small, white clusters are born in clusters and are fragrant (“Psydrax Odorata,” n.d.). Alahe’e was traditionally used to craft tools, create dark brown and black dyes, string lei, and medicinally to cleanse the blood. Today, this species is used as a substitute for mock orange.
Distribution
Alahe’e has been found on all the main islands of Hawai’i except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe.
Habitat
Alahe’e can be found growing in dry shrub land and in dry to most forests at elevations of up to 800 m (2700 ft) (“Psydrax Odorata,” n.d.).
Threats
- Alucita objurgatella larvae attack the seeds
References & Additional Resources
Hawai‘i State Big Tree Program » Alaheʻe
“Psydrax Odorata.” Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database, College of Tropical Agriculture and Natural Resources: University of Hawaii at Manoa, https://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/psy-odor.htm.
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