Plants of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Scientific Name Myoporum sandwicense A. Gray
Family Myoporaceae
Other Names Naio, naeo, naieo, bastard sandalwood
Status Indigenous
Distribution & Habitat This tree in found in an elevational range from sea level to 2,380 m.  It is an occasional to common in coastal strand, dry forest, mesic to wet forest and a dominant element in subalpine forests.  In Hawai`i, it is probably found on all main islands, but has not been documented from Kaho`olawe.  Naio is also found on Mangaia in the Cook Islands (Wagner, et al. 1990: 928).
Locations in this Guide Kipuka Puaulu, Mauna Loa Strip Road
General Appearance
This is an ecologically and morphologically variable species.  The shape varies from many branched shrubs to small trees from 1 to 10 m tall.  Sometimes these trees reach 15 m (Wagner, et al. 1990: 928).

This is an uncommon tree in the areas described in this guide.

 Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki)
Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki) Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki)
Leaves
The leaves are usually somewhat fleshy and are variable in shape, ranging from elliptic or narrowly lanceolate to linear-lanceolate to ovate.  Sizes range from 3.5 to 22 cm long and 0.5 to 4 cm wide (Wagner, et al. 1990: 928). Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki)
Flowers & Fruits
The small flowers are generally white and have purple or pink markings.

The fruits are greenish white to pinkinsh, or even purplish (Wagner, et al. 1990: 928).

The fruits are ribbed when dry.

 Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki)
Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki) Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki)
Kipuka Puaulu (on road to Kipuka Ki)
Phenology
Natural History Wagner, et al. (1990: 929) describe this species as being ecologically and morphologically variable.  As a result, several subspecies have been described from different geographical areas.
Conservation
Miscellaneous Photos
Other Notes The common name "bastard sandalwood" comes from an unsuccessful attempt to sell this wood which has an odor similar to sandalwood when it is burned.
References Wagner, Warren, Derral Herbst and S. H. Sohmer 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai`i. University of Hawaii Press.
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Last Updated: 08/05/03

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