Island walnut

Tahitian names

Tou (FP), Pua (T)

Interesting facts

Its wood is very used for sculptures or to make objects such as drums, containers, or furniture. The trunk can reach 4 m and its flowers have a heart shape. The Tou’s flowers are employed in many traditional medicinal remedies (asthma, cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, etc.). Red dye, used for “tapa” (bark cloth), are made with its leaves mixed with mati seeds (Ficus tinctoria). Tou is one of the sacred trees planted near “marae”.  

Family

Boraginaceae

Biogeographical status

indigenous

Life form

tree

Abundance on Tetiaroa

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.

Butaud J.F., 2013. Tuamotu de l’ouest, Guide floristique. Direction de l'Environnement.

legend

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