(Community Services Classrooms)

Mamane, Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem, is an endemic species of the family Fabaceae. Being polymorphic, it develops into different forms, including erect shrubs or trees up to 15 meters tall. Leaves are 5 to 10 inches long, with oblong leaflets which are paired or alternating and have smooth gray or yellowish hairs on the undersurface. Pale yellow flowers form clusters at the branch tips or leaf axils. The pods are quadrangular and four-winged with yellow seeds.

The wood of the mamane is exceedingly hard and durable. It was formerly used by the Hawaiians for sled runners and farmers' spades, while cattle ranchers in Hawaii used it mainly as fence posts. The flowers of the mamane are used as an astringent. During certain religious ceremonies to ward off evil, the Hawaiian high priest would hold a piece of mamane wood, wrapped in dark tapa, in his hands a symbol of authority.