Naio

Naio is known as the False sandalwood. After all of the `Iliahi sandalwood trees were cut down for trade in the early 1800's, the Naio was slipped in as an inferior substitute. However, Chinese traders, realizing the deception, called it Bastard sandalwood.

The fragrant wood of the Naio is dark yellow-green in color. The small tree (or large shrub) can grow from 3 to 15' high. It has glossy green, waxy, pointed leaves with small flowers clustered close to the stem. The flowers are either pink or white, depending on the variety. The small round fruit is white or green, and glossy when fresh.

Naio grows best in dry areas with full sunlight from the coast to dry sites in the Hawaiian highlands.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Naio has relatively hard wood, and it burns well and long with a clear light. Because of its long-burning quality, it was used to make torches for night fishing
• Strong, durable wood used for construction and woodworking

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Note: Chaminade's Naio tree was removed in 2019 due to a thrip epidemic in Hawai'i.