Free Alahe’e Trees Offered This Arbor Day in Hawaii’s Botanical Haven
The tree, scientifically known as Psydrax odorata, is a fragrant, hardwood tree native to Hawaii and several Pacific islands. It's a member of the coffee family, Rubiaceae, and is renowned for its attractive characteristics and resilience. This Arbor Day, the Hawai'i Ulu Cooperative and Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden are partnering to give away free Alahe'e trees at the Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
The botanical name Psydrax odorata is derived from the sweet scent of its blossoms. The Hawaiian name 'alahe'e' also reflects this, with 'ala' meaning fragrant and 'he'e' meaning slippery. This small, straight-trunked tree can grow up to 20 feet tall, with horizontal branches in opposite pairs. It's drought-, wind-, and salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for West Hawaii landscapes once established.
The most reliable way to propagate alahe'e is through seeds, although cuttings or air layers have shown limited success. The tree's attractive features make it an ideal choice for landscape use and a decorative feature indoors or outdoors. It can grow up to two feet per year and reach maturity at over twenty feet in ideal conditions. Its origin in Hawaii is unknown, but it's believed to have been brought by winds, wings, or waves before Polynesian sailors arrived.
The Alahe'e tree, a true Hawaiian native, serves as a lovely holiday tree and a great addition to any landscape. This Arbor Day, mark your calendars for November 8, 2025, to get your free Alahe'e tree at the Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook. This event is a partnership between the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Hawai'i Ulu Cooperative, celebrating our rich botanical heritage.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
- Financial Aid Initiatives for Ukraine Through ERA Loans
