Does that mean the plant has astigmatism or you do? ;-)

Seriously, have they been broken off, by chance?

tj

Perhaps the plant feels it's growing enough 'babies' just now and doesn't want to bring another life into this world when it's already overwhelmed.

Stress of some sort. Numerous causes and too many fruit on the plant for its size and amount of available nutrients is just one of the possible causes. What is the name of the variety? Container or in ground? Feeding and watering regimen? Any sign of pests or disease? Look closely for thrips.

Dave

thanks guys and its an ichiban Japanese eggplant in a pretty massive container almost like a half wine barrel by itself. and theres been holes in the leaves when i got them but it seems to have stopped. I've encountered another problem starting today. it seems that the leaves just break off and fall when i give them a touch! can anyone explain why?? and the flowers that bloomed overnight didn't have a stigma either perhaps its carrying too many eggplants because the plant is still pretty little.

Can you send any pictures? Are the holes in the leaves tiny? Could be flea beetles. Pretty common on an eggplant and nothing to really worry about.

What size is the plant? Are the maturing eggplants of size to pick? If so, I would pick some to let the plant focus on more fruit.

"the leaves just break off and fall when i give them a touch! can anyone explain why??"

That - leaf drop - is often a symptom of over-watering but other causes are also possible. At any rate it is an additional indication that the plant is heavily stressed for some reason.

But without actually seeing it or having detailed info on all the growing conditions you are providing all we can do is guess at the cause of the stress.

Dave

Thanks guys for all your help! I’ll cut off the 4-5 inch ichiban eggplant to hopefully relive some stress and help the plant focus on other things and also back off on the watering!