Bois de rose

Noms Tahitian

Miro (S, T, G, A)

Particularités

The Miro is a tree with yellow heart shaped leaves. Its high quality wood was and still is used in spears, bludgeons, canoes, ‘umete, and furniture in general. The tree inspired priests since it was the emanation of Roro’o (prior singer), it was thus indispensable for marae. Sacred statues, or idols (ti’i, tiki), were built in pink wood. Its young branches were used for sacred ceremonies: the clergy had them in their hands. It is still used in traditional medicine, and its fruit can treat jellyfish stings among other things.   
 

Famille

Malvaceae

Biogéographical status

Native

Type biologique

Tree

Abondance sur Tetiaroa

Not Common

Écosystème sur Tetiaroa

mixed forest

sources et crédits
légende

S: Societé | T: Tuamotu | M: Marquesas | G: Gambier | A: Australs | FP: Polynésie française