Milo
Names
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Milo
- Scientific: Thespesia populnea
Species Information
Milo is a tree with gray bark with shallow fissures (Bishop Museum). The leaves are dark green and the flowers are a bright white with yellow hues (Native Plants Hawaiʻi).
The beautiful wood of the milo tree was prized by early Hawaiians second only to kou and was used to make food bowls (ʻumeke milo), poi calabashes, platters (pā milo), and dishes. The bark is also used for cordage, while the fruits produce a yellowish-green dye, medicine, oil, and gum. The seeds are used in lei. The dark heartwood is moderately heavy, easy to work with, and durable. The house of King Kamehameha I in Waikīkī was surrounded by milo.
Distribution
Milo has been found on all main islands with the exception of Kahoʻolawe
Habitat
Milo is found throughout the tropics in coastal areas. In Hawaiʻi it grows at elevations ranging from sea level to 900 ft.
Photos
References & Additional Resources
Native Plants Hawaiʻi, University of Hawaiʻi: Thespesia populnea: http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/thespesia_populnea/
University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR): https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawnprop/plants/the-popu.htm
Bishop Museum: Plants of Hawaiʻi: Thespesia populnea: https://plantsofhawaii.org/detail/%7B387B4ACC-927B-4CDB-9B54-DA0B5FB96564%7D