Rhus sandwicensis
Genus
Rhus
Species
sandwicensis
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Neleau
- Neneleau
Hawaiian Names
- Neleau
- Neneleau
Common Names
- Hawaiian sumac
Synonyms
- Rhus chinensis var. sandwicensis
- Rhus semialata var. sandwicensis
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Shrub
- Tree
Mature Size, Height
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
- Shrub, Tall, Greater than 10
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Screening
- Accent
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Brownish
- Red
- White
Additional Flower Color Information
Whitish flowers with reddish brown fuzz (tomentose) are displayed in dense bunches.
Additional Blooming Period Information
Small round red fruits (drupes) are produced in abundance.
Plant texture
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
The leaves are green on the upper surface and paler on the lower surface. Leaves have a reddish tinge to them when they are younger.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
The new leaves (liko) are the most striking features of neleau. The colors can range from light pink, to mauve, orangish, bright red, brick red, to magenta and all shades in between. Older leaves are light to dark green.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Ants can be a nuisance. Weeds at base of plants should be controlled.
Pruning Information
Neleau can form dense stands and may require pruning to control. The root suckers can come up in unwanted areas.
Water Requirements
Moist
Additional Water Information
Neleau can be grown in dry to wet conditions.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Natural Zones
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50
- 150 to 1000, 50 to 100
- 150 to 1000, Greater than 100
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100
- 1000 to 1999, Greater than 100
- 2000 to 2999, 0 to 50
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100
- 2000 to 2999, Greater than 100
- 3000 to 3999, 0 to 50
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100
- 3000 to 3999, Greater than 100
- 4000 to 4999, 0 to 50
- 4000 to 4999, 50 to 100
- 4000 to 4999, Greater than 100
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Additional Growth Environment Information
Neleau is found in scattered locations throughout its range and most common near Hilo and Waimea (Kamuela) on Hawaiʻi Island from around 500 to over 7,000 feet.
Special Notes and Information
Neleau (Rhus sandwicensis) belongs to the Mango or Cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Some well known edible kin include mango (Mangifera spp.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), and pistachio (Pistachia vera). The highly invasive Christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolius) is on the family list as well. The family also has some unsavory characters in aptly named genus Toxicodendron, meaning "poison tree": poison-ivy, poison-oak, and poison sumac, the latter is perhaps the most toxic plant in the United States.
Early Modern Use:
The light but tough, yellowish-gray wood of neleau was once used to make plows and yokes for oxen by ranchers. [1]
The bark was formerly used in tanning in Hawaii.
Landscape Use:
Plants produce numerous root suckers and can become troublesome if planted near planting beds or areas where it is not welcomed.
Does well as a hedge.
Additional References
[1] "The Indigenous Trees of the Hawaiian Islands" by J.F. Rock, page 263.
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