Neneleau

Not every endemic plant is threatened. Some native plants are quick to re-establish themselves when given the opportunity. The Neneleau, Hawaiian sumac (Rhus sandwicensis), is one of the first plants to reclaim abandoned sugar cane fields and other disturbed areas. It usually grows as a large shrub in dense groups and can grow to be a small tree. It propagates by seeds and spreading root suckers. It spreads rapidly and easily becomes weedy.

Neneleau is related to the poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac. Unlike other plants in the family, it does not produce poisonous compounds. The fruits are edible, and the light and tough wood has many uses.

The neneleau is being used to reclaim land for native forests. The neneleau quickly establishes and creates an environment friendly to other native species, while suppressing exotic plants. It can be grown in open fields, or as an understory plant where introduced trees like eucalyptus dominate.