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
ʻiako (spars) for waʻa (outrigger canoes), mouo (fishing net floats), and ʻau
koʻi (adze handles). Kaula ʻilihau (cordage) was made from the bast fibers.
Hau would be used to make ʻama (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 |
