About Myrsine lessertiana A.DC.
Myrsine lessertiana, commonly known as kōlea lau nui, is a colicwood species in the family Primulaceae, endemic to the U.S. state of Hawaii. It grows in Hawaiian tropical dry forests, coastal mesic forests, mixed mesic forests, and wet forests across the main Hawaiian islands, at elevations ranging from 210 to 1,220 m (690 to 4,000 ft). This species is a small to medium-sized tree, that reaches a maximum height of 18 m (59 ft), with a trunk diameter between 0.3 and 0.6 m (0.98 to 1.97 ft). Most individuals of this species are found on the main Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. Its flowers bloom in spring, have reduced blooming in fall, and reach peak blooming in winter. Myrsine lessertiana is considered a suitable candidate for native Hawaiian forest restoration, as it thrives in low-light conditions in wet lowland forests and grows well at high elevations. Native Hawaiians traditionally used wood from kōlea lau nui to make papa olonā (Touchardia latifolia scrapers), kua kuku (kapa anvils), pou (house posts), kaola (beams), pale (gunwales), and manu (ornamental end pieces) for waʻa (outrigger canoes). The bark of kōlea lau nui was boiled in water to produce hili kōlea, a deep red dye used to color kapa (bark cloth). In ancient times, Native Hawaiians also used this species to construct canoes, and used its charcoal to create black dye. Its wood is still used for crafting today.
