Miro wood has become canoes, bowls, weapons, and sacred figures. Its young branches also had a place in ceremonies at marae.
- Local names
- Miro (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands)
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Biogeographical status
- Native
- Life form
- Tree
- Abundance
- Uncommon
- Ecosystem
- Mixed forest
About this species
Pacific rosewood has heart-shaped green leaves and yellow flowers. Its valued, pink-toned wood is used for furniture, canoes, ‘umete bowls, and formerly spears and clubs. Sacred figures, ti‘i or tiki, were carved from it.
The guide associates miro with Roro‘o and the inspiration of priests, placing it among the trees important at marae. Priests held young branches during sacred ceremonies. The source also records traditional medicinal uses, including fruit preparations associated with jellyfish stings.