Ti‘anina fruits decorate jewellery and skirts. Its traditional uses also include medicines, alongside a warning about coconut crabs from Makatea.
- Local names
- Ti’anina (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands), Tonina (Society Islands), Turina (Tuamotu Islands, Austral Islands)
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
- Family
- Hernandiaceae
- Biogeographical status
- Indigenous
- Life form
- Tree
- Abundance
- Uncommon
- Ecosystem
- Mixed forest
About this species
The fruits are made into jewellery and used to decorate more skirts. The guide records berries and bark as purgatives, leaf juice as a depilatory, and preparations called ra‘au ‘arafati for pain associated with fractures and sprains. These are descriptions of traditional practices.
On Makatea, the guide reports that coconut crabs can become toxic after eating ti‘anina roots.
Butaud J.F., Gérard J., Guibal D., 2011. Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations. 2e édition, Au vent des îles.
Tahiti héritage : https://www.tahitiheritage.pf/hernandier-sonore-de-tautira-tianina