'Iliahi (Sandalwood) - Santalum h aleakalae

Conspicuous because of its bright red flowers, 'iliahi is found in somewhat dry areas throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, the distribution of the four 'iliahi species native to Hawaii has been greatly reduced and in some areas severely threatened. The species pictured is endemic to Haleakala. Large quantities of the fragrant heartwood were harvested and shipped to China in the late 18th and 19th century where it was used to make incense and furniture. Only six to eight hundred individuals of the rare Haleakala- sandalwood exist today.