Keahi (Sideroxylon polynesicum; formerly Nesoluma polynesicum) – Hawaiian SuperGlue


    The first time I saw a keahi was within the amazing windswept dry forest at Kānepu‘u, Lāna‘i. I was there on contract for The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i to determine the best germination methods for some of the forest’s more common native tree species. Knowing little about this smallish tree, I eagerly collected the shiny black fruits – with my bare hands. On the flight back home to O‘ahu that afternoon (and, after repeatedly washing and rinsing my hands), I realized the folly of my behavior. Everything I touched felt like it was made of scotch tape – it was absolute torture! 

    While no ancient uses of keahi are documented, it’s my bet Hawaiians of old made good use of its sticky fruits. Kia manu (bird-catchers) would smear ‘ulu (breadfruit) sap or the fruits of pāpala kēpau on a branch frequented by Hawai‘i’s colorful native birds. This would hold the bird’s feet to the branch while the kia manu plucked the desired feathers. The bird was then released to eventually grow back the lost feathers. It was an excellent way for Hawaiians to make sure there would always be a supply of this valuable commodity.

    Today, no one catches birds, native or otherwise, with ‘ulu sap, pāpala kēpau or keahi fruits. However, with its rust-colored leaves that seem nearly impervious to insect damage, keahi is still an attractive addition to any native garden.