Kauila

Kauila or Kauwila refers to two species of trees in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae, that are endemic to Hawaiʻi: Alphitonia ponderosa and Colubrina oppositifolia. Both species of wood are found distributed throughout the islands of Hawai'i; however, A. ponderosa was found on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, and Hawai'i,^[1] whereas C. oppositifolia was found only on Maui, O'ahu, and Hawai'i.^[2] The trees vary in size, with A. ponderosa reaching heights greater than 50ft while C. oppositifolia reaching 50ft or less. Likewise, the leaves of the trees are both different in appearance. A. ponderosa sprouts a dark-greenish color and a light yellow colored vein in each leaf, and C. oppositiofolia grows a medium-green color leaf where the vein is a rusty orange/brown. The wood itself was prized for being extremely hard that it was often a substitute for metal, being so dense that it sinks in water. Although, C. oppositifolia was stated to be much tougher compared to its sister species.^[2] Though the rigid sturdiness varied between the species of wood, they were both prioritized in the making of tools, miscellaneous accessories, and crockeries.^[3] Both occur in dry to mesic forest, and due to invasive weeds and animals that consume the plants, the Kauila trees are now rare; C. oppositifolia is listed as critically endangered^[4] and A. ponderosa is listed as vulnerable.^[5]