Milo (Thespesia populnea) is a large native tree that creates yellow flowers with maroon centers, starting around 2 years of age. It is tolerant to both drought and waterlogged soils, does best at low elevations (0-3,000 feet), in relatively dry areas (0-50 in rain per year) and is typically found near coastal areas. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial sun. Grows about 1-3 feet per year in the first 7-10 years and then slows down and can reach about 35-65 feet at maturity.

Milo is considered a canoe plant brought over by Polynesians when settling on the Hawaiian Islands. While it provides a lot of shade, milo can be utilized in a variety of ways. Its wood can be used to carve bowls and other utensils. The entire plant can be used when making lei and its fruits can be used to create a yellow-green dye.