Broussonetia papyrifera

Description:

Wauke or Paper MulberryMoraceae (Mulberry family)Apparently native to Japan or ChinaPolynesian introduction to the Hawaiian IslandsOahu (Cultivated)Although Broussonetia papyrifera produces flowers and is naturalized in Burma and Thailand, nowhere in Polynesian is it naturalized, since mostly sterile male trees are found there/here. Thus, it is only found where it has been planted by humans.The bark of wauke was harvested by early Hawaiians, and elsewhere in Polynesia, from young trees with bark of 4 cm (1.5 in.) or less in diameter (seen in above photo). The bark was processed to make bark cloth or kapa (tapa, the Tahitian name). The fine kapa was used for clothing, bedding, and for ceremonial purposes. (Tongan fan) made with hiapo or wauke www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/15903221140/in/photolist...www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/16089776242/in/photolist...www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/15903221140/in/photolist...Polynesian Names:Aute (Australs, Cooks, New Zealand, Societies); Ai masi (Fiji); Hiapo (Niue, Tonga, Uvea); Lafi (Futuna); Ua (Samoa); Ute (Marquesas); Wauke (Hawaii)