Lantern tree
Hernandia nymphaeifolia
Fruits of Ti'anina
Hernandia nymphaeifolia
Fruits du Ti'anina
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 |
Resources & Documents
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