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‘A‘ali‘i

Dodonaea viscosa,

Indigenous

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‘A‘ali‘i is a common shrub throughout Hawai‘i’s dry environments, and is native to areas across the world.  In old Hawai‘i, the dense hard wood had many uses including weaponry, farm tools, house rafters, and fishing devices.  The seeds were used to make red die and also strung into colorful lei.  The leaves and flowers were also used medicinally.  Look out for the Blackburn’s blue butterfly flitting about an ‘a‘ali‘i bush. This is one of the only two native butterflies in Hawai‘i, and favors ‘a‘ali‘i.