Rhus sandwicensis


Rhus sandwicensis, commonly known as neneleau, neleau or Hawaiian sumac, is a species of flowering plant in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, that is endemic to Hawaii. It is small tree, reaching a height of and a trunk diameter of. Neneleau inhabits dry, coastal mesic, mixed mesic and wet forests at elevations of on all main islands.
The Latin specific epithet of sandwicensis refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called, and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770s. James Cook named the islands after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich for supporting Cook's voyages.

Uses

Neneleau wood was used by Native Hawaiians to make laau lomi lomi and umeke.

Cultural significance

Neneleau is mentioned in the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant.