About Santalum paniculatum Hook. & Arn.
Santalum paniculatum Hook. & Arn. is a parasitic rainforest tree that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It belongs to the sandalwood family, Santalaceae, and is commonly known as ili ahi or Hawaiian sandalwood. The largest currently known individual of this species grows at Honomolino, in the South Kona District of the Big Island of Hawaii. This specimen measures 20 m (66 ft) tall, with a diameter at breast height of 73 cm (29 in), equal to a girth of 2.3 m. A century ago, Santalum paniculatum individuals could reach 25 m (82 ft) in height and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in diameter at breast height, making it the largest known parasitic plant.
