(Library)

Lama, Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC) Fosb., part of the ebony family (Ebenaceae), is a tree about 2- 15 meters tall often with galls on the stem. The bark is black and rather smooth on small trunks, but rough on large old trunks. The leaves are pale green, glossy, arranged alternately in opposite rows and are all in one plane giving it a flat appearance. The flowers with small greenish-white or pink petals are borne close to the twig, unisexual. It produces edible bright reddish or yellow fruit set in a cup like an acorn. Lama inhabits the dry and wet forests of all the large islands and is plentiful in dry areas such as South Kona, Hawaii. It has been documented on all inhabited islands, except Niihau and Kahoolawe.

The various species of Lama were extensively used by the ancient Hawaiians, as it produces wood that is very hard, close-grained, rich reddish brown colored when old. They used the wood in building houses for the gods, as well as for very durable tide gates for fishponds. A sacred enclosure made of Lama wood was called a "Palama," and the sick were placed inside for healing. Lama wood was used in medicine and placed in hula altars because its name suggested enlightenment or light.