This tree is called ‘ohe or ‘ohe makai and is an endemic native to Hawai‘i but uncommon in the Islands. Like many native trees, this one is dry season (summer) deciduous.

Botanists have long called this plant Reynoldsia sandwicensis and considered it an endemic genus, but the accepted name is now Polycias sandwicensis, still an endemic species but now placed in the genus Polycias, subgenus Reynoldsia.

At least four ‘ohe makai are growing at Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine, the largest near the east end of the kua trail. This particular tree regularly flowers, but does not appear to produce seeds.

Hawaiians used the resin produced by the tree for various purposes.