The small white flowers of tafano are gathered for their scent. Its leaves and timber also find uses in everyday island life.
- Local names
- Tafano (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Austral Islands), Kahaia (Tuamotu Islands), Hano (Marquesas Islands)
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
- Other names
- Sea randa; Zebra wood
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Biogeographical status
- Indigenous
- Life form
- Shrub or small tree
- Abundance
- Common
- Ecosystem
- Mixed forest and backshore
About this species
The flowers are woven into necklaces and crowns. They also scent monoï preparations used to perfume and moisturise skin and hair.
The strong wood supplies canoes and furniture. Large leaves serve as plates or wrappers for food during cooking. In the Marquesas, the guide records the use of its charcoal for dental hygiene.
Butaud J.F., Gérard J., Guibal D., 2011. Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations. 2e édition, Au vent des îles.
Jost X., Ansel J.L., Raharivelomanana P., Butaud J.F., 2016. Ethnobotanical survey of cosmetic plants used in Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.
Barrau, 1971. Useful plants of Tahiti. Société des Océanistes, Paris, Dossier 8.
