Metrosideros rugosa



Metrosideros rugosa, the lehua papa, is a tree of the myrtle family which is endemic to the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands.

It is closely related to the widespread and highly variable ōhia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), found throughout the islands. Lehua papa, however, is restricted to a narrow habitat range at the summits of very wet, windswept ridges and cliffs in the Koolau mountains.

It is distinguished from M. polymorpha by having the upper surface of the leaves with the veins deeply indented, and the leaf margins partly rolled (the latter is also found in some M. polymorpha varieties). It is also of rather distinctive appearance, with a compact shape suited to its windy habitats. Metrosideros rugosa has red flowers.