Lonomea

Geographic area of origin: Sapindus oahuensis is endemic of the islands of Kaua'i and O'ahu. It grows in moist to dry forests at elevations of 200 to 2,000 feet. It occurs in northwestern Kaua'i, in O'ahu's Wai'anae Mountains, and from Waimalu to Niu Valley in the Ko'olau Mountains on O'ahu.

Common uses/hazards/importance: Provides Shade, Screening, Specimen Plant, The very hard blackish seeds were used for medicinal purposes and to string for gorgeous permanent lei.

Distinguishing features: The fleshy fruit of Sapindus oahuensis is brown-black, oblong, and ranges in size from 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches. Each fruit contains 1, sometimes 2, oval, wrinkled, black seeds. The seeds are 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch long. Plant texture is medium and coarse.

Date and method of arrival in Hawaii: not to sure

Indigenous? Yes

Endemic? Yes

Invasive? No

Other interesting historical, cultural, or ecological information: The flowers grow in clusters from the bases of the leaf stems. The flowers are unisexual, but both male and female flowers are produced on the same plant.