hame

Hame - is quite common, but not as common as other native plants. One way to identify the plant is a fold in the leaf and it appears to hang. It can be confused for lama, but Hame leaves appear larger. 

Background Information

Hame is endemic to Hawaii and is found on all the main Hawaiian islands. It is in the phyllanthaceae family. In Ancient Hawaii, the tree trunk was used to make anvils, huts, beams, frames, digging sticks because the wood was so heavy. Parts of the plant was used to make a red dye. In modern times, the Hame wood could be used to make cabinets. 

Hame

The scientific name of this species is antidesma platyphyllum. The same species of plant may look different because there are male and female plants that have different characteristics. Hame is tree like and can grow up to 25 feet in height. Although I've only seen trees not more than 15 feet tall. 

Hame Hawaiian Native Plant
Hame Hawaiian Native Plant Flowering
Hame Hawaiian Native Plant Flowering

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