The Toromiro, a sacred tree planted around ceremonial centres and used to carve the Moai Kava Kava, was declared extinct more than 50 years ago. The last wild specimen was seen in the crater at Rano Kau during Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition in 1956. Many attempts to recover this endemic species failed — but today the situation has changed favourably: more than 100 toromiro plants, about one metre tall, are growing again on Rapa Nui.
An Island with Poor Plant Diversity
Unlike other islands of Polynesia, in spite of its subtropical climate, Easter Island has very poor botanical diversity. 88% of the island’s surface is dry savanna covered by grasslands, and only 7% is occupied by vegetable plains and barely 5% by forests, mostly eucalyptus, Miro Tahiti (Melia azederach) and avocado trees — all introduced species. The existing vegetation (212 species in total) in Hanga Roa, Rano Kau and Vaitea is not endemic but corresponds to flora introduced by humans (166 species) and cultivated native flora (46 species).
Seven Endemic Species, Two on the Brink of Extinction
The last floristic census in 2006 certified the existence of seven endemic plants on Rapa Nui: the Toromiro (Sophora toromiro), the Poporo (Solanum forsteri), three types of fern locally called Nehe Nehe (Asplenium coliores, Doodia paschalis and Displazia torzolidarium) — found in wind-protected locations, mainly in the craters of the Rano Kau and Rano Aroi volcanoes — and finally two grasses (Mauko Toa), found on the Motu islets facing Rano Kau.
Only two endemic species have required recovery efforts: the Toromiro and the Poporo. The Poporo was traditionally used medicinally to relieve stomach pain and came close to extinction. In 2005 the last plant was found in the Anakena area and was successfully recovered, with 200 specimens now existing in Mataveri, Tahai, Anakena and Rano Raraku.
The Sacred Tree of the Moai Kava Kava
The Toromiro was no ordinary tree: along with the Rongo-Rongo tablets, it was the wood used to carve the most important ritual objects of Rapanui culture, including the Moai Kava Kava. This connection between sacred trees and ritual carving is repeated throughout Polynesia, where similar sacred trees formed part of the architecture of the marae and of the ahu of Rapa Nui.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toromiro
What is the Toromiro?
The Toromiro (Sophora toromiro) is an endemic tree of Rapa Nui, sacred in Rapanui culture, traditionally used to carve the Moai Kava Kava and other ritual objects. It was declared extinct in the wild more than 50 years ago, though it survived in botanical gardens outside the island.
When was the last wild Toromiro seen on Rapa Nui?
The last wild specimen was seen in the crater at Rano Kau during Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition in 1956. After that date, the species was declared extinct in its natural habitat on the island.
How many Toromiro trees exist on Rapa Nui today?
More than 100 toromiro plants, about one metre tall, are currently growing on Rapa Nui after decades of failed reintroduction attempts. They grow alongside other endemic species at various protected points on the island.
What other endemic species exist on Rapa Nui?
The 2006 floristic census identified seven endemic species: the Toromiro, the Poporo, three types of Nehe Nehe fern, and two Mauko Toa grasses. Only the Toromiro and the Poporo have required active recovery programmes to prevent total extinction.
