`A`ali`I

(Dodonaea viscose)

Discription:
        Generally a small-trunked shrub or tree between 2-8m (6.6-26.4ft) tall with a reddish to dark gray bark.. Narrow and wrinkled leaves are between 3-10cm (1.2-4in) long and 1-3 cm (.4-1.2in) wide. Tiny unisex flowers grow in clusters at the tips of the branches. The seed capsules look like dried flowers and have 2-4 wings. Seed capsule colors vary from yellow to bright red and turn brown when the seeds ripen.

Distribution and ecology:

A common forest shrub that occurs on all of the main Hawaiian islands except Kaho`olawe. It is found most often in the lower mountains on dry, exposed, windswept ridges.

Cultural Use:

Hawaiians used the paper-like seed capsules to make dyes and used its wood for tools and weapons.