Santalum ellipticum

Santalum ellipticum, commonly known as Iliahialoe (Hawaiian) or coastal sandalwood, is a species of flowering plant in the mistletoe family, Santalaceae, that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a sprawling shrub to small tree, typically reaching a height of and a canopy spread of , but is extremely variable in size and shape. Like other members of the genus, "S. ellipticum" is a hemi-parasite, deriving some of its nutrients from the host plant by attaching to its roots.
Habitat and range.
"Iliahialoe" inhabits dry forests, low shrublands, and lava plains throughout the archipelago, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, but has been extirpated from Laysan and Kahoolawe. Although never recorded on Niihau, its historic presence on the island is almost certain. "S. ellipticum" is generally found at elevations from sea level to , but populations can occur as high as . An isolated individual was observed growing at on the island of Hawaii.
Uses.
Non-medicinal.
The "laau ala" (heartwood) of "iliahialoe" contains valuable, aromatic essential oils. Trees were harvested for export to China between 1791 and 1840, where the hard, yellowish-brown wood was made into carved objects, chests, and incense. The "iliahialoe" trade peaked from 1815 to 1826. Native Hawaiians used the wood to make "pola", the deck on a "waa kaulua" (double-hulled canoe). Powdered "laau ala" was used as a perfume and added to "kapa" cloth.
Medicinal.
Native Hawaiians combined leaves and bark of the "iliahialoe" with "naio" ("Myoporum sandwicense") ashes to treat "kepia o ke poo" (dandruff) and "liha o ka lauoho" (head lice). "Iliahialoe" shavings mixed with "awa" ("Piper methysticum"), "nioi" ("Eugenia reinwardtiana"), "ahakea" ("Bobea" spp.), and "kauila" ("Alphitonia ponderosa") was used to treat sexually transmitted diseases.