Naio (Myoporum sandwicense)

naio flower
Photo courtesy of MNBG

Hawaiian name: Naio
Botanical name: Myoporum sandwicense
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 7,800 feet
Height: Up to 30 feet

 

In old Hawai‘i, naio wood (called ‘a‘aka) was used in home construction. It also made great firewood, as ‘a‘aka is long burning with a clear light. The heartwood of naio has a sandalwood scent. When ‘iliahi (sandalwood) was being cut down in great quantities during Hawai‘i’s sandalwood trade era, harvesters tried to pass naio off as genuine sandalwood. It did not fool many, and was soon rejected by importers. At that time, naio acquired the nickname, "false or bastard sandalwood." Today, this Native continues to be used in wood craft. Naio is drought, wind and salt tolerant.

white naio flowers

Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

naio fruit

Photo credit: MNBG

naio by the ocean

Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

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