Beach heliotrope keeps close to the sea. Salt-resistant wood and fragrant flowers make it useful along the same shore where it grows.
- Local names
- Tahinu (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands), Tohonu (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Austral Islands), Geogeo (Tuamotu Islands)
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
- Other names
- Velvet tree
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Biogeographical status
- Indigenous
- Life form
- Tree
- Abundance
- Abundant
- Ecosystem
- Backshore
About this species
The guide describes this tree as confined to the seashore and especially abundant on atolls. Its wood resists salt and insect damage and is used in furniture, canoes, and building.
Fragrant flowers sometimes perfume monoï. Leaves and bark also appear in traditional accounts of remedies for ciguatera, locally called gratte. The source records decoctions and infusions; these accounts are not evidence of a cure for fish poisoning.
Butaud J.F., 2013. Tuamotu du centre, Guide floristique. Direction de l'Environnement.
Butaud J.F., Gérard J., Guibal D., 2011. Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations. 2e édition, Au vent des îles.
Photos: Tetiaroa Society & Jean-Yves Hiro Meyer
