Tephrosia purpurea

Taxobox
name = ʻAuhuhu

---

image_width = 240px
image_caption = var. "purpurea"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Fabales
familia = Fabaceae
genus = "Tephrosia"
species = "T. purpurea"
binomial = "Tephrosia purpurea"
binomial_authority = (L.) Pers.
synonyms =

ʻAuhuhu ("Tephrosia purpurea", also known as ahuhu, ʻauhola, or hola), is a tropical plant which grows in arid regions of Hawaii. It also grows in other tropical countries, although it is said to be less vigorous there. The Hawaiians used ʻauhuhu as a fish poison; the leaves and seeds contain tephrosin, which paralyzes fish. Larger doses are lethal to fish, but mammals and amphibians are unaffected.

References

* cite book
last = Arnold, M.D.
first = Harry L.
title = Poisonous Plants of Hawaii
publisher = Charles E. Tuttle Co.
year = 1968
location = Tokyo, Japan
pages = 57-58
ISBN = 0804804745
* Bishop Museum [http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/resultsdetailed.asp?search=auhuhu Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database] . Downloaded on 24 September 2007.