This attractive tree was planted near homes, or hale, for shade. It has attractive dark green and glossy leaves. Panicles of fragrant white flowers are produced in mid-spring.
Seeds can be slightly poisonous, and they contain an oil substitute for kukui.
Seeds are used to make leis. The fragrant flowers were used to perfume kapa. Kamani may have provided the wood used for canoes which originally transported Polynesians to Hawaii. Photos by Priscilla Millen.