Solanum incompletum is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae known by the common names thorny popolo and popolo ku mai. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it occurs today on the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii. It is threatened by the destruction and degradation of its habitat. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. The plant is threatened by feral ungulates such as feral pigs, feral goats, and mouflon. The invasion of introduced species of plants such as Pennisetum setaceum and Kalanchoe tubiflora degrades the habitat. The conservation status of this species from the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Hawaiʻi Natural Heritage Ranking has been listed as critically endangered. The species was once considered extinct but six plants were discovered on the Island of Hawaiʻi, moving it to endangered status. Conservation efforts should include plant monitoring for pests and disease, detailed surveys, and, if possible, collection of plant material to propagate and reestablish populations.
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Solanum
- Family
- Solanaceae
Other names.
