Lantern tree

Tahitian names

Ti’anina (S, T), Tonina (S), Turina (T, A)

Interesting facts

The ti'anina is a medicinal plant. Its berries and its bark are purgative. The juice of leaves have depilatory properties in order to remove any hairs. The juice is also used in cures to releave fracture pains (ra'au 'arafati). The flesh of coconut crab can become toxic if it eats roots of ti'anina (in Makatea). Fruits also can be used to make jewellery or to decorate "more".

Family Hernandiaceae
Biogeographical status indigenous
Life form tree
Abundance on Tetiaroa not common
Ecosystem on Tetiaroa mixed forest
sources & credits

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

 

legend

S: Society | T: Tuamotu | M: Marquesas | G: Gambier | A: Australs | FP: French Polynesia