Hao (Rauvolfia sandwicensis)

Hao leaves
Photo courtesy of MNBG

Hawaiian name: Hao
Botanical name: Rauvolfia sandwicensis
Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Ni‘ihau & Kaua‘i (Hi exc. Ka)
Water/Light: Dry, with full to partial sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 2,600 feet
Height: 20 feet with a 15 foot spread

 

Hao (not to be confused with hau, Taliparti tiliaceum) produces tiny flowers with a fragrance similar to plumeria, which belong to the same family. Hao wood is very hard. Incidentally, the Hawaiian word for ‘iron’ is also hao. Remnants of this native tree have been found at many ancient heiau (alters) throughout Hawai‘i. Leading historians to believe it was used within religious ceremonies. In lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian medicine), hao bark and flowers were mixed with water and ingested to cure pā‘ao‘ao (a childhood disease with physical weakening) and ‘ea (thrush). A slow growing tree that likes full sun, hao is native to very dry areas.

Hao flowers

Photo credit: MNBG

Hao fruit

Photo credit: MNBG

Hao leaves and flowers

Photo credit: MNBG

Location
The Garden is located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, Maui, right across from the War Memorial Stadium.
(808) 249-2798

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed occasionally for inclement weather and Hawaii State Holidays.

Admission
Members:   Free
General:   $10
Keiki Under 12:   Free
Kama'aina:   Free
(with Hawai'i ID)

Plants from the MNBG Collection:

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