Family: Malvaceae
Milo is a large native tree with a massive spread. Usually, 30 feet wide, but in some cases, old trees have a 70 feet spread. A rapid grower when young, milo’s growth slows down at seven years. Flowering begins at two years old. These evergreen trees flower throughout the year. Lasting one day, the flower opens at dawn colored light-yellow with a maroon center, slowly fadeing to darker orange as the day progresses.
It doesn’t tolerate much pruning. But, it will tolerate constant salt spray and wind. Milo is the perfect tree to create shade and shelter in seaside areas. One drawback, Milo, is a messy tree. It continually drops leaf litter and papery seed capsules. Easy to grow, germination by seed takes place in 3 to 70 days. Vegetative cuttings are another way to produce more trees.
Milo provides many uses such as food, medicine, cordage, lei materials, beautiful wood, and other commodities.
Plant Uses:
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Erosion control
- Lei flower
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Windbreak
- Woodworking
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
