Hangalai

/hæŋəˈlaɪ/ noun

Definition

A type of tree or plant, particularly found in Pacific Island regions; also called 'beach mulberry' or 'Indian mulberry.'

Etymology

From Pacific Islander languages; the word's origin reflects the indigenous knowledge systems and plant taxonomy of island communities who first identified and used this species.

Kelly Says

Hangalai trees have been used medicinally by Pacific islanders for centuries, yet Western pharmaceutical companies are only recently beginning to study them—showing how colonial science ignored existing knowledge systems.

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