( Netegis sandwicensis)
Description:
A tree
that grows up to 8 m ( 26 ft) tall. Oppositely arranged leaves that look floppy
are 7-22 cm (3-9 in) long and 2.2-6 cm ( 1 – 2.4 in wide. The bark is thick ,
rough and gray . Instead of forming one main trunk , it
typically branches and forms several
upright trunks. Mature bluish -
black fruits resemble small olives.
Destribution and ecology :
Found in dry to moist forest
30- 1,300 m (100_4,200 ft) on all major islands except Ni’ihau and
kaho’olawe. Normallly an understory tree , on Oahu it is reputed to be among
the best hosts for Achatinella tree snails.
Cultural uses:
Because the upright trunk of the olopua is very heavy
and hard , Hawaiians used it to make spears and other kinds of tools.