Smallflower Aiea

Description

Nothocestrum breviflorum, commonly known as smallflower -aiea, is a species of tree in the nightshade family, Solanaceae, that is endemic to the island of Hawai. It inhabits dry and mixed mesic forests at elevations of 180-1,830 m (590-6,000 ft). These forests are dominated by --hi-a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) or lama (Diospyros sandwicensis), while plants associated with smallflower -aiea include wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis) and uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiensis). N. breviflorum reaches a height of 10-12 m (33-39 ft). It is threatened by habitat loss. It is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States. There are fewer than 50 individuals remaining.