Purau supplies timber, cordage, cloth, and the fibres of more skirts. Even its broad, heart-shaped leaves have a practical role.
- Local names
- Purau (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands), Fau (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands), Hau (Society Islands, Austral Islands)
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Biogeographical status
- Polynesian introduction (legacy inventory)
- Life form
- Tree
- Abundance
- Common
- Ecosystem
- Mixed forest
About this species
Its light but strong wood is used for houses, canoes, furniture, and tools. The inner bark supplies fibres for more skirts, rigging and other cordage, and tapa bark cloth. The heart-shaped leaves serve as plates or food wrappers.
The guide records yellow flowers in preparations for skin complaints, including chickenpox, and inner bark in remedies associated with filariasis. These accounts preserve ethnobotanical knowledge without establishing the effectiveness of a treatment.
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.
Grepin F., Grepin M., 1870-1880. La médecine traditionnelle par F. Grepin et M. Grepin. Direction des Centres d'Expérimentations Nucléaires. Service Mixte de Contrôle Biologique