Maile (Alyxia stellata, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 4: 439 (1819))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Roem. & Schult.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 4: 439 (1819)

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alyxia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: NE. Queensland to Pacific

Description

Maile, scientifically known as Alyxia stellata, is a plant species belonging to the family Apocynaceae. This delightful plant is native to a vast geographic range extending from northeastern Queensland all the way to the Pacific islands. Its adaptability to different locales within this broad region highlights its resilience and versatility.

Maile is highly regarded not just for its attractive greenery but also for its traditional significance in various cultures. Its leaves and stems are often used in lei-making, particularly in Hawaiian customs, where it is valued for its pleasant fragrance and decorative appeal. The plant’s lush foliage, combined with its subtle yet delightful scent, makes it a preferred choice for ceremonial adornments.

Botanically classified by (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Roem. & Schult., and first described in the publication Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 4: 439 in 1819, Maile possesses historical and scientific importance. Its detailed categorization and study have provided insight into its botanical characteristics and its role within native ecosystems.

Maile typically thrives in forested areas where it can either grow as a vine or shrub, depending on the environmental conditions. This adaptability makes it an integral part of its native habitats, supporting local biodiversity.

In essence, Maile is much more than just a plant. It is a symbol of cultural heritage, ecological resilience, and botanical intrigue, embodying the rich traditions and natural beauty of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: maile
En: Maile

Synonyms

• Alyxia myrtillifolia ((A.Gray ex Hillebr.) H.Lév.)
• Alyxia stellata f. magnacarpa (F.Br.)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. ampla (H.St.John)
• Alyxia latilimba (M.L.Grant)
• Gynopogon torresianus ((Gaudich.) K.Schum. & Lauterb.)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. subacuta (H.St.John)
• Gynopogon stellatus (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.)
• Alyxia amoena (A.C.Sm.)
• Pulassarium obtusifolium ((R.Br.) Kuntze)
• Pulassarium sulcatum ((Hook. & Arn.) Kuntze)
• Alyxia scandens ((J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Roem. & Schult.)
• Alyxia stellata var. amoea ((A.C.Sm.) A.C.Sm.)
• Alyxia linearifolia (A.C.Sm.)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. retusa (H.St.John)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. elliptica (H.St.John)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. angusta (H.St.John)
• Alyxia stellata var. fatuhivensis (Fosberg & Sachet)
• Pulassarium oliviformis ((Gaudich.) Kuntze)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. myrtillifolia ((A.Gray ex Hillebr.) H.St.John)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. lanceolata (H.St.John)
• Alyxia brevipes ((Baill.) Schltr.)
• Gynopogon oliviformis var. ovata ((Hillebr.) Hochr.)
• Alyxia oliviformis var. lanceolata (Hillebr.)
• Alyxia palauensis (Markgr.)
• Alyxia torresiana (Gaudich.)
• Alyxia thozetii (F.Muell.)
• Alyxia stellata f. rapensis (F.Br.)
• Gynopogon apolimae (Rech.)
• Gynopogon oliviformis ((Gaudich.) A.Heller)
• Gynopogon brevipes (Baill.)
• Alyxia obtusifolia (R.Br.)
• Pulassarium torresianum ((Gaudich.) Kuntze)
• Alyxia fosbergii (J.Florence)
• Pulassarium stellatum ((J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Kuntze)
• Alyxia elliptica (Cheeseman)
• Pulassarium thozetii ((F.Muell.) Kuntze)
• Alyxia aromatica (Reinw. ex E.A.Duchesne)
• Alyxia sulcata (Hook. & Arn.)
• Alyxia oliviformis (Gaudich.)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. rotundata (H.St.John)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. ovata ((Hillebr.) H.St.John)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. fusiformis (H.St.John)
• Alyxia oliviformis var. myrtillifolia (A.Gray ex Hillebr.)
• Gynopogon scandens (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. cuneata (H.St.John)
• Alyxia intermedia (Vieill. ex Guillaumin)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. obovata (H.St.John)
• Alyxia stellata f. marquesensis (F.Br.)
• Alyxia stellata var. deckeri (Fosberg & Sachet)
• Alyxia oliviformis f. linearis (H.St.John)
• Alyxia stellata var. marquesensis ((F.Br.) Fosberg & Sachet)
• Pulassarium scandens ((J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Kuntze)
• Alyxia oliviformis var. ovata (Hillebr.)

Distribution

• Caroline Is. (native)
• Cook Is. (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Marquesas (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• Niue (native)
• Pitcairn Is. (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Society Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Tuamotu (native)
• Tubuai Is. (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Feb 8, 2020 by Yves Burckel (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7156128)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:76804-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alyxia stellata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Roem. & Schult.)

Specifications

Growth