Introduction to The British Gardener's website

Hibiscus tilliaceus

COMMON NAME

Sea hibiscus, beach hibiscus or Hau (Hawaiian)

TYPE

Tree

FAMILY

Malvaceae

NOTES

Hibiscus tiliaceus reaches a height of 13–33 ft, with a trunk up to 6 in in diameter. The flowers of H. tiliaceus are bright yellow with a deep red center upon opening. Over the course of the day, the flowers deepen to orange and finally red before they fall. The branches of the tree often curve over time.  Native Hawaiians used the wood to make Ê»iako (spars) for waÊ»a (outrigger canoes), mouo (fishing net floats), and Ê»au koÊ»i (adze handles). Kaula Ê»ilihau (cordage) was made from the bast fibers. Hau would be used to make Ê»ama (canoe floats)

GEOGRAPHIC REGION

Africa, Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands

NATIVE HABITAT

Coastal or near-coastal habitats (such as mangroves), along the shore near sea level

WEB SOURCES

wikipedia.org

missouribotanicalgarden.org



Hibiscus tilliaceus