Guettarda speciosa aka Sea Randa

Guettarda speciosa, or sea randia, is in the coffee family. This family bears the name Rubiaceae. The RHS also calls it East Indian zebra wood. Jamaica pigeon wood is one more common name. Its native range spans southeastern Kenya to southern Africa. It also grows wild in tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific. It grows in wet tropical areas, including the coast. Wild trees grow on rocky shores and sandy coastal ground.

This small evergreen tree keeps its leaves all year. It can reach a height of 33 feet [10 metres]. Its branches grow from low on the trunk. Reports say it grows at a moderate rate. The white flowers have long tubes and a strong scent. They open in the evening and fall before morning. Moths visit the blooms and pollinate them. Trees can bloom all year, not just in one season. It is the national flower of the Marshall Islands.

Grow it in full sun or bright shade. Use soil that drains well and does not hold standing water. Once trees take root, they can cope with some drought. They can also stand winds that carry sea salt. These traits suit warm sites near the coast. Its year-round leaves and sweet blooms add to gardens. Growers can raise new plants from seed or cuttings. They can also use layering to grow more plants.

People gather this tree from the wild for many uses. They use the leaves as plates to throw away. The leaves also serve as wash cloths and toilet paper. People burn them to dry pandanus leaves. They also make black hair dye from the leaves. People thread the flowers into garlands. They use them to scent coconut oil, too. Oil from the flowers goes into perfume. The hard wood lasts well and serves in light building work. Local people use it for stakes, fishing gear, and bowls. They also make stilts and canoe hulls from it.

Folk medicine uses the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. People soak flowers and young leaves in water. They use this mix as a deodorant and an aphrodisiac. These are records of use, not proof of health benefits. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses for this species. It also lists no known hazards. This limited claim does not prove safety for people or pets.