Sea Lettuce

Tahitian names

Naupata

Interesting facts

The Naupata is a small shrub present in almost all the Polynesian archipelagos. It primarily grows at on the edge of the beach, on limestone based ground. It has a good resistance to strong winds and high salinity levels. The Naupata is well studied and used in traditional medicine. The white fruit is commonly used as eye drops to clean the eyes. The have healing properties, especially when applied to wounds caused by coral. The shrub distributes its seeds by using oceanic currents and endozoochory: some birds eat its seeds.  

Family

Goodeniaceae

Biogeographical status

Native

Life form

Shrub

Abundance on Tetiaroa

Common

Ecosystem on Tetiaroa

Beach

sources & credits
legend

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