Alphitonia ponderosa is a species of flowering tree in the family Rhamnaceae, that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is locally known as kauila, as is the related Colubrina oppositifolia.
Description
Alphitonia ponderosa is a medium to large tree, reaching high with a trunk in diameter. Leaves The alternate leaves are ovate, long, and have petioles. The leaves are shiny, hairless, and green on the top, but are a dull light green with rust-colored veins on the bottom. It grows as a shrub on exposed ridges. ==Uses==
Uses
The reddish-brown wood of A. ponderosa is highly prized for its beauty, strength, and density. It was used as a replacement for metal by the Native Hawaiians, ==Conservation==
Conservation
Alphitonia ponderosa is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN because of its fragmented distribution and declining population. Major threats include rats, pigs, deer, competition with introduced species of plants, and wildfire. ==See also==