|Agroforestry in the Pacific Islands: Systems for Sustainability
(UNU, 1993, 297 pages)| 44. Gardenia taitensis DC. RUBIACEAE
"Tahitian gardenia," "tiare Tahiti" (Tahiti) Believed to be
indigenous from Vanuatu to Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Wallis and Futuna,
and possibly Samoa; probably an aboriginal introduction into
some of these islands and to eastern Polynesia; a recent
introduction into Hawaii, Micronesia, and most atoll countries
(endemic species of Gardenia, some of which are found in
agroforestry systems, exist in many island groups). A shrub or
small gnarled tree, up to 6 m high, with shiny, bright green,
obovate leaves; attractive, very fragrant, pure white, tubular,
spreading 5- to 8-petalled, solitary flowers; and globose,
ribbed, yellow-green fruits. Occasional to common in home
gardens and villages, sometimes planted as hedges, especially in
the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Hawaii; apparently
naturalized in some areas such as Hawaii; rare to uncommon on
sea cliffs and rocky islets, almost always