Māmane

Sophora chrysophylla, known as māmane in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering plant in the pea and bean family, Fabaceae, endemic to Hawaii. It is highly polymorphic, growing as a shrub or tree, and produces yellow flowers in winter and spring. It is found on all the main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe, in shrublands and dry forests, and is most common in montane dry forests. The hard, durable wood was used by Native Hawaiians for house posts, beams, digging sticks, spears, spades, sled runners, adze handles and firewood. In herbal medicine the flowers are used as an astringent. The wood was also used in religious rituals to ward off evil: a kahuna nui, a high priest, would wrap a piece of māmane wood in a dark kapa cloth and hold it up to symbolise authority. The seeds are highly poisonous to other animals, though the endangered palila feeds almost exclusively on the immature seeds.