Economic Botany Collection

Catalogue no.:

34 (temporary)

Botanical classification:

EUPHORBIACEAE Hura crepitans

Common name:

Sandbox tree

Geographical description:

Hawaii

Item description:

Dolphin pendant made from seed pod of the sandbox tree

Length:

3.5cm

Plant information:

Large tree which can reach 30 to 40 metres. Has a spiny trunk and is known as the monkey piston because the seed capsule explodes spreading seeds which are poisonous. Each of the sections of the capsule is shaped like a dolphin. The tree is also known as the Sandbox Tree because it was used to hold sand for blotting pens.

Donor:

Ruth Smith has spent many years collecting botanical jewellery from around the world and donated her large collection to Kew in 2005. It numbers over 200 items, made from various plant parts such as seeds and bark, from a wide range of species.