Mānele
Description: Mānele is a large deciduous fruiting tree native to Hawaiʻi, Mexico, South America, new Caledonia, and Africa. Commonly known as the Soapberry tree, for its fleshy fruit and reddish brown to black seeds. Found naturally in mesic to wet forests typically 2000-5000 ft. in elevation. Although Mānele can be found at lower elevations in dry and urban environments.
ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):
Inoa(Name):
- Scientific – Sapindus saponaria
- Hawaiian – Mānele, A’e
ʻOhana: Part of Sapindaceae family
Kūlana olakino(Status): Indigenous
Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):
- Plant is TOXIC, DO NOT CONSUME!
Ways it was Used:
- Hawaiians used the pulp of soapberry to wash their clothes, shampooing their hair, and as natural disinfectant.
- The dense wood was sculpted into ʻihe (spears) and other weapons for war, and gardening tools.
- Hawaiians fashioned the black seeds into lei (garland).
Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None
Hoʻohana Hiʻohiʻona ʻāina (Utilize Landscape)Landscape Use:
- Being that mānele is tough and can be adaptable to climate. Can grow to nearly 3000-foot high near Hawaiʻiʻs National Park on Big Island.
Mū – Pests:
Nū hou Propagation(Propagation Information):
- Best grown from seeds. The seeds are hard, you can soak them in hot water for 24 hours to help with germination.
Kaianoho(Habitat):
