Another tree with exposed roots, the hala tree is found all over Hawaii. The entire plant was used by ancient Hawaiians. The leaves were woven into hats and mats. Flowers are sweet smelling and were used as a preservative. The trunk yielded pipes and posts. Parts of the fruit were fashioned into paint brushes and leis. Punahou School, the alma mater of President Obama, uses an image of the hala in its school seal.