This tree of somewhat unusual shape is a screwpine called hala and is an indigenous species in our islands. The species occurs throughout the western Pacific.

Screwpines are not "pines" but monocot trees with spiral growth (thus the allusion to a "screw"). As the tree gains height, stout prop roots develop to support the trunk and massive crown of narrow, spine-edged leaves.

This plant was of great value to Hawaiians and, while probably capable of arriving on our shores on its own as the seeds (called "keys") readily float for long distances on ocean curents, the possibility of early Polynesian introductions of preferred varieties seems likely. The dried leaves are plaited or woven into mats and other items, such as hats and, in ancient times, the sails of voyaging canoes. The dried keys were used as paint brushes for decorating kapa.