Mehame, Hame (Antidesma platyphyllum var. platyphyllum)

Hame fruit and leaves
Photo courtesy of MNBG

Hawaiian name: Mehame, Hame
Botanical name: Antidesma platyphyllum var. platyphyllum
Family: Phyllanthaceae (Phyllanthus Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i  (HI exc. Ni, Ka)
Water/Light: Moist, with partial sunlight
Elevation range: 1,650 to 3,600 feet
Height: Up to 45 feet

 

Hame wood is very strong and sinks in water. In Hawai‘i, the wood was used in hale (home) construction and fashioned into o'ō (digging sticks) and kua (anvils.) The inedible berries were used to produce a bright red to dark purple kapa dye. In lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian medicine), hame leaves can be chewed and swallowed to ease nausea. Hame is also a favorite dwelling place of pupu kani oe, Hawai‘i’s native tree snail.

Hame fruit

Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Hame leaves

Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

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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