The Nani ahiahi is a tropical plant native to Brazil and is more commonly known as an Allamanda or Golden Trumpet vine. The vine has bright yellow trumpet shaped flowers that are 3 to 4 inches across and shiny bright green leaves.
In Hawai'i the Allamanda blooms several times a year with the vines often supporting hundreds of beautiful flowers. You can find Allamandas growing in the upper parts of Hawaiian Paradise Park in the Puna district, as well as other places along the Eastern part of the Big Island.
While Allamanda is often grown as an ornamental plant it is very hearty and difficult to control. An Allamanda will attach itself to just about any tree and will grow to the same height the tree grows. It can easily choke a tree and can spread both horizontally as well as vertically. Care should be taken to control Allamanda plantings to ensure they don't go out of control.
Note: The milky sap in the leaves of the Allamanda contain a cathartic and is toxic if eaten.
