Hibiscus & Malvaceae

Hibiscus aculeatus

2009-12-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus aculeatus | Comfortroot, Pineland Hibiscus, Pinelands Mallow, Rough Rosemallow, Sharp Rosemallow

This U.S. native perennial Hibiscus is one of the lesser known of our native mallows. It is covered with short stiff, white hairs and grows to about 2m high. The leaves are palmately lobed in 3-5 irregularly toothed segments. Bears large flowers, 10cm or more across from June to September. Flowers change in color from cream to yellow, and finally fade to pink. The 5 petals are marked with a purple or crimson spot at the base. Seed capsules are less than 3cm long and resemble small Okra pods.

The roots contain mucilage and have been used medicinally as a soothing agent, hence the common name Comfortroot. Its latin name aculeatus means 'prickly' in reference to the sandpaper-like feel of the stems and leaves. Found naturally in sandy soil; bogs, moist pinelands, savannas, ditches and coastal plains from Florida to Louisiana, north to North Carolina.

Hibiscus arnottianus ssp. arnottianus

2009-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus arnottianus | White Rosemallow, Kokio Ke'oke'o

Hibiscus arnottianus is one of the hibiscus species native to the Hawaiian Islands. It was used in the development of many of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis varieties found today, and has produced many horticultural cultivars. It is also used as an understock when grafting hybrids, mainly because it is long-lived, hardy, and resistant to root-rot. A small tree or tall shrub, usually with dense foliage, the flowers have a wonderful fragrance. The blooms last for two days and are produced freely on short spurs from older wood. For this reason Hibiscus arnottianus is best left unpruned; however severe pruning (about halfway) in spring every four to five years is recommended to keep the plant healthy and in a nice form. An open sunny situation is best, with rich well-drained soil. Liberal water and fertilizer should be applied during the summer and fall flowering season.

Three subspecies of Hibiscus arnottianus are recognized:

ssp. arnottianus (photo above) is from O'ahu and has smooth leaves 4-10cm long. It grows at elevations of 390 to 2500 feet in the Wai'anae and eastern Ko'olau mountains of O'ahu.
ssp. immaculatus is native to Moloka'i and has a white staminal column and leaves with rounded teeth. The leaves are 4-10cm long and often have red veins and stems. The faintly fragrant flowers have white petals 8-11cm long. The flowers may be slightly pink or may age to pale pink. Hibiscus arnottianus ssp. immaculatus is found in only in four populations on Moloka'i. It is the rarest of all and is listed as an endangered species.
ssp. punaluuensis, the Punaluu Rosemallow is also native to O'ahu. This is the most common of the three subspecies. Its a robust plant with leaves up to 25cm long and comes from the Ko'olau Mountains at elevations of 650 to 2200 feet.

Historical Reference: But neither the delicate kokio- keokeo (Hibiscus Arnottianus), which is the subject of so many songs and legends, and which, with its white petals and rich pink stamens, used to drape the sides of rocky ravines, nor the red variety with which girls used to adorn their hair, ever had any struggle for existence till the goats came, who have made them both very nearly things of the past.

   All the year round: a weekly journal, Volume 38
   By Charles Dickens,
   Published by Chapman and Hall, 1886

Hibiscus Archeri

2009-12-30T00:30:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus x archeri | Archer's Hibiscus, Aute à Moorea

Hibiscus Archeri is an old hybrid between Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Hibiscus schizopetalus. Named for A.S. Archer, of Antigua in the Antilles, this striking variety is an upright, fast growing shrub, often grown on its own roots. The 10cm red flowers last for a day.

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Archeri.—The blood-crimson flowers of this plant render it a most striking ornament just now in the greenhouse; it would prove undoubtedly so were the blossoms produced with greater freedom. The rich shade of colour and the pretty fringed form of the flowers alike assist in rendering it most attractive. The plant is of sparse habit and rather tall. A coloured plate of it appeared in The Garden of May 6 of the present year.

   The Garden: an illustrated weekly journal of gardening, Volume 56
   by William Robinson, 1899

Historical Reference: Een andere bijzonder krachtig groeiende is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. Archeri, een hybride tusschen H. schizopetalus en de gewone kembang sepatoe. De groeiwijze van deze is echter zeer fraai, de plant groeit krachtig hoog op, dan buigen zich de einden der takken waaraan de bloemen komen sierlijk om, deze laatste zijn groot en helderrood, hangen ook aan lange bloemstelen, de bloemblaadj es zijn echter niet diep ingesneden, zooals bij de voorgaande.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Archeri komt het mooiste uit, als zij alleenstaat, krachtig groeiende op een ruim gazon; als dan de bloeiende takken als die van een treurboom naar alle kanten afhangen en de schitterend gekleurde groote bloemen als uit een hoorn des overvloeds komende er overal afhangen is het werkelijk een bijzonder sierlijke en imposante heester. Zooals men weet laten zich de Hibiscussen gemakkelijk oculeeren en daar laatstgenoemde een krachtige groeister is eu zich gemakkelijk laat tjangkokken en stekken, kan zij als onderstam dienen voor de zwak groeiende ver- scheidenheden. Boven noemde ik de mooi bloeiende maar slecht groeiende verscheidenheden van Hibiscus rosa-sinensis liliflorus, waarschijnlijk groeien die beter als zij geënt worden op- laatstgenoemde plant.

Translation: Another particularly vigorous grower is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. Archeri, a hybrid between Hibiscus schizopetalus and the ordinary Kembang Sepatu. (Editors Note: in Indonesia hibiscus are called "kembang sepatu", which literally means 'flower of shoes' ―perhaps in reference to the fact that hibiscus flowers were used to shine shoes in places like India) The growth habit is very attractive; the plant grows vigorously high and then at the end of the bending branches are the elegant flowers ―large and bright red, with a long flowering season. The flower petals are not as deeply incised as the previously mentioned (Hibiscus schizopetalus).

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. Archeri is more attractive grown alone on a broad lawn; as the flowering branches like that of a weeping tree hang down to all sides, with a cornucopia of beautifully colored flowers, coming from everywhere, hang down. It is really a particularly elegant and impressive shrub. We know that Hibiscus archeri cuttings are easy to root, and it is a strong grower. It can serve as rootstock for the weaker-growing varieties. Above I mentioned the beautiful flowering but poorly growing varieties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis x liliiflorus, will probably grow better if they are grafted on the latter plant.

   Teysmannia: magazyn van horticultuur en landbouw der tropen
   Published by G. Kolff & Co.,1905

Reference: HYBRIDE. Hibiscus x archeri (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis x schizopetalus) RÉPARTITION: cet hybride a été obtenu dans les Antilles vers la fin du XIXe siècle et a été répandu rapidement dans les régions chaudes, moins abondant que les parents, il est néanmoins présent en Polynésie française avant 1922. — AUSTRALES : Raivavae, Rurutu. – GAMBIER : Mangareva. – MARQUISES : Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva. – SOCIÉTÉ : Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa,Tahiti. – TUAMOTU : Makatea. –[COOK : Aitutaki, Rarontonga.].
USAGE: ornementale pour le port, le feuillage et les fleurs ; ces dernières souvent portées comme ornement de chevelure. NOM VERNACULAIRE : Aute à Moorea.

Translation: HYBRID. Hibiscus x archeri (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis x schizopetalus). DISTRIBUTION: This hybrid was obtained in the Caribbean in the late nineteenth century and has spread rapidly in warm regions. less abundant than the parents, it is still present in French Polynesia before 1922. USES: Ornamental for appearance, the foliage and flowers, the latter often worn as an ornament of hair. VERNACULAR NAME: Aute à Moorea.

   Flore de la Polynésie française, VOLUME 2
   Publications scientifiques
   MUSÉUM NATIONAL D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE, Paris, 2004

Hibiscus boryanus

2009-12-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus boryanus | Foulsapate marron, Mahot bâtard | Photo: Bruno Navez, Réunion island

Lilibiscus is a small section of the genus Hibiscus that contains about 10 species, native to islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These were the species used in the development of the Hibiscus rosa-sinenis varieties found today. Hibiscus boryanus is an endangered and protected species. It is a small tree up to a height of 8m, endemic to the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius and Réunion). Flowers range from orange to red. It prefers locations with year-round moisture but not in excessive amounts. Hibiscus boryanus is a rare but is being reintroduced to the wild by the National Parks and Conservation Service of Mauritius.

Historical Reference Le bois d'Hibiscus boryanus DC, ("foulsapate morron", "mahot batârd"): Arbuste ou petit arbre rare atteignant 8m de haut au fût atteignant 20cm de diamètre, endémique de l'île de la Réunion et l'île Maurice, était autrefois utilisé en construction. Une tisane de feuilles se prenait jadis contre la toux et les feuilles étaient utilisées en bain contre les douleurs rénales.

   Bois d'oeuvre 1, Volume 7
   D. Louppe, A.A. Oteng-Amoako, M. Brink
   Published by PROTA, 2008

Translation: The wood of Hibiscus boryanus DC, ("Foulsapate Morron", "Mahot Batârd"): A rare bush or small tree attaining 8m in height, the trunk attaining 20cm in diameter. Endemic to the island of Réunion and the island Mauritius, in the past it was used for building construction. An herbal tea of leaves was once used for coughs, and leaves were also used in a bath for renal pain.

Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei

2009-12-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus brackenridgei | Ma'o hau hele, Native Yellow Hibiscus, Brackenridge's Rosemallow

Hibiscus brackenridgei is Hawai'i's State flower, and is listed as an endangered species. It was named after William Brackenridge (1810-1893), an American horticulturist and superintendent of the National Botanic Garden in Washington D.C. Hibiscus brackenridgei is native to dry forests and shrub lands at elevations from 120 to 800m (400 to 2,600 ft). It is a shrub that grows up to 3m in height, with maplelike leaves and bright yellow flowers. It is found on all the main Hawaiian islands except Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe, but it is not common in any location. Hibiscus Brackenridgei is closely related to the Australian Hibiscus divaricatus and some believe that it may not be specifically distinct from it (Wagner, Manual of the flowering plants of Hawaii, 1990).

Hibiscus brackenridgei varies in appearance among islands but generally falls into three subspecies:
      ssp. brackenridgei of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island,
      ssp. mokuleianus, The Mokulei Rosemallow of Oahu and Kauai.
      ssp. molokaianus is an extremely rare 3rd subspecies.

The most visible difference between these subspecies is in the leaves and stems. The leaves of ssp. mokuleianus have more serrated margins and pink veins with tiny spines on the branches. Ssp. brackenridgei, on the other hand, has leaves with more rounded margins and yellow veins, and it lacks the tiny spines on its branches.

Historical Reference: Mr. Rock sent in from the island of Oahu (Territory of Hawaii) a showy tree hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), bearing yellow flowers 6 inches across. From Honolulu, Hawaii. Seed presented by J. F. Rock. Received June 30, 1920. "A striking and well-marked rather rare species with a shrubby erect stem, 4 to 5 feet high, stiff spreading branches, and rather stout, very leafy flowering stalks. It is worthy of cultivation on account of its showy yellow flowers. The smooth, bright-green leaves on long petioles are rounded in outline, 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 5 to 7-lobed, somewhat resembling those of the common grapevine. The spreading yellow corolla is about 6 Inches across. Found In the scrub vegetation of the leeslde of Oahu, East and West Maul, and Lanai."

This extremely rare species of Hibiscus, which Mr. Rock found growing among the stones at the base of a cliff on the windward side of the island of Oahu, is a thing of rare beauty when covered with its large yellow flowers. Since it grows under arid and rather severe conditions it may be found useful as an ornamental plant in some parts of tropical America which, because of unfavorable climate and soil, are not well suited to the cultivation of many of the common tropical ornamentals. The deep canary-yellow flowers of this exceedingly rare Hibiscus are 6 inches across. Only a few wild plants are in existence, and the species seems not to have found its way into American horticulture, although Hillebrand called attention to the possibilities of its culture more than 30 years ago.

   Plant inventory, Issues 61-70
   Agricultural Research Center-West (U.S.). Northeastern Region
   The Dept., 1922

Hibiscus cameronii

2009-12-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus cameronii | Pink Hibiscus, Cameron's Hibiscus

Hibiscus cameronii is endemic to Madagascar. This species was named in honor of David Cameron, curator of the Birmingham Horticultural Society in England during the 1830s. This is a soft-wooded shrub 1-2m tall with palmate 3-7 lobed leaves. The cup-shaped flowers are 7.5 to 10cm in diameter. Flowers have prominent veining and a red-purple spot at the base of the petals. The staminal column is red, and curved downward. Suitable for warmer areas only, Hibiscus cameronii is an attractive free flowering shrub that requires occasional light pruning. It can be grown from soft tip cuttings taken in summer or by seed sown in spring. A sunny location and light well-drained are best since Hibiscus cameronii is susceptible to root-rot in poorly drained soils.

Some references claim there is a close relationship between Hibiscus cameronii and the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis complex of varieties and that they may be intercrossed. This is unlikely since Hibiscus cameroni belongs to a section other than Lilibiscus. It seems that early on, a Lilibiscus seedling (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid) was named 'Cameroni' and this was the source of all the confusion. To add to the confusion, some older references also refer to Hibiscus cameronii as 'cameroni', however, according to the IPNI website, cameronii is the correct spelling. For more information on Hibiscus cameronii see "Some notes on Hibiscus cameronii"

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Cameroni (Mr. Cameron's Hibiscus) This new species of hibiscus belongs to the frutescent division of the sixth section (Abelmoschus) of Decandolle. We have described this plant as only a foot high, and un-branched, which is the fact; but in all probability it will become much taller, and, as it increases in size, may become branched. It was raised from seeds collected in the island of Madagascar by the British missionaries, by them transmitted to the Rev. J. A. James of Birmingham, in the year 1837, and by that gentleman presented to the Birmingham Horticultural Society, at which establishment our description and drawing were made. It requires to be grown in loam, peat, and sand, and appears like a plant that would increase readily by cuttings; but it is so slow in its growth, that it has not yet produced a single lateral shoot for that purpose, and will long remain a scarce plant unless it should ripen seeds. In has been stated that we are indebted for this plant to the British missionaries, and we do not know any individuals more likely to introduce new genera and species from unexplored regions, inasmuch as they are admitted into parts from which other persons are excluded. For the derivation of hibiscus we beg to refer our readers to our first volume; the specific name is in compliment to Mr. David Cameron, the able and indefatigable curator of the Birmingham horticultural society.

   The Floral Cabinet and Magazine of Exotic Botany, vol. 2
   George Beauchamp Knowles, Frederic Westcott
   publisher: William Smith, 1838

Historical Reference: On this trip, I hope to be able to see the true H. cameronii, for as you know, there has been a horticultural scramble on this one for over a hundred years, in fact, almost since its introduction into England from Madagascar in 1837. I am now convinced that the H. cameronii as described in most modern horticultural literature, is not the true H. cameronii, for as you know, there has been responsible for listing H. cameronii as one of the progenitors of the modern hibiscus hybrids in a lot of literature on the subject, including my own. What has been erroneously called H. cameronii is the pink known by many names, Puahi Bishop in Hawaii, and Versicolor in Southern California and Florida. It is very popular in Fiji and other Pacific Islands, and goes under many different names. Although certain reports from India indicate that H. cameronii has been crossed with H. rosa-sinensis, there is no proof that these crosses, too, were not with the pink referred to above. Dr. Y. Tachibana of the Osaka Botanic Garden reports that he has been unsuccessful in his efforts to cross the true H. cameronii with H. rosa-sinensis, but I want to see it and possibly secure seed, as it may be a candidate for the ancestral species for which we are seeking.

   Letters to J.W. Staniford from Ross H. Gast
   October 1963

Hibiscus campylosiphon var. glabrescens

2009-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus campylosiphon | Lanútan, Losúban, Pañgardísen, Takúlau Blanco

Hibiscus campylosiphon is a medium-sized tree (to 15m tall) endemic to the Philippine Islands. This species is found in various locations throughout the Philippines, but is common and widely distributed in Luzon. With a short trunk that is often crooked, Hibiscus campylosiphon has large red-centered flowers (up to 8cm) that open white in the morning, sometimes turning to pink as the day progresses. The alternate leaves (6-8 inches ling) are pointed at the tip and rounded at the base. The red fruits are oval, pointed, and about 4cm long. Formerly known as Bombycidendron vidalianum, Thespesia campylosiphon and Hibiscus vidalianus.

Historical uses: Hibiscus campylosiphon furnishes a moderately hard wood that was used in the manufacture of carriage shafts, musical instruments, boat oars and baseball bats. Rope made from the bast possessed considerable strength, and the bark was woven into hats.

Historical Reference: 38486. Bombycidendron vidalianum (Naves) Merr. and Rolfe. (Thespesia campylosiphon Vidal.) Malvaceae. Lanutan. From Lamao, Bataan, Philippine Islands. Presented by Mr. P. J. Wester, horticulturist, Division of Horticulture, Lamao Experiment Station. Received June 4, 1914. " Seed of the lanutan, a tree valuable for Its wood, and also quite ornamental, with large white flowers having a red center, shaped like those of the tropical Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, about 7 inches in diameter. It is probably too tender for Florida.

   ‪Plant inventory, Issues 31-40
   ‪United States. Dept. of Agriculture
   Published ‪1914‬

Hibiscus cisplatinus

2009-12-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus cisplatinus | Rosa Del Río, Hibisco de Bañado

This South American species has attractive pink flowers with a darker throat. It is the only Hibiscus species endemic to subtropical South America, (Argentina and Uruguay), and the only deciduous Hibiscus found in South America. The name cisplatinus is in reference to the Rio de La Plata, a large esturay southeast of Buenos Aires, where this species was originally discovered. It is found growing by stream banks in its native habitat. Hibiscus cisplatinus forms large, multi-stemmed shrub up to 2m tall. The stems have small spines, but not as large as those found on Hibiscus striatus. Hibiscus cisplatinus is closely related to Hibiscus striatus. For more information about this taxonomic relationship, see reference under Hibiscus striatus ssp. Lambertianus

Historical Reference: La plante dont nous publions aujourd'hui le portrait est également sud-américaine, mais elle croît sous une latitude beaucoup plus australe. Je l'ai reçue, par les soins de mon ami M. Gantera, de la République de l'Uruguay où elle croît à l'état sauvage. C'est notre compatriote Auguste de Saint-Hilaire quila découvrit le premier, en deçà du rio de la Pinta (comme l'indique son nom) et sur les bords du rio Negro, puis de l'Encapamento do rincaô das Galinhas, où elle fleurissait en décembre. Depuis deux années, je cultive cette espèce à La Croix où elle croît vigoureusement et se couvre de grandes et jolies fleurs lilas à centre pourpre foncé, pendant toute la belle saison. Une variété s'est montrée à fleurs presques blanches. En voici la description prise sur le vif:

Translation: The plant which we publish the picture of today is also South American, but it grows in a more southern latitude. I received it, by the care of my friend Mr. Ganter, from the Republic of Uruguay, where it grows in the wild. It was our compatriot Augustus Saint-Hilaire who discovered it first, below the Rio de la Plata (as indicated by its name) and on the banks of the Rio Negro, then the Incapamento do rincaô das Galinhas, where it flourishes in December. For two years I've been growing this species in La Croix where it grows vigorously and is covered throughout the season with large and beautiful lilac flowers with a dark purple center. There is also a variety with almost white flowers.

Revue Horticole, Journal D'Horticulture Pratique 1898
Société nationale d'horticulture de France

Hibiscus coccineus

2009-12-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus coccineus: The more common red-colored form

Hibiscus coccineus | Scarlet Hibiscus, Scarlet Rosemallow, Marsh Hibiscus, Red Hibiscus

Hibiscus coccineus occurs naturally in swamps, marshes, and ditches near rivers and streams, from Georgia and Alabama to central Florida. Hibiscus coccineus is one of the largest and most striking of the North American Hibiscus. It sometimes causes a stir since leaves resemble those of marijuana ―but the resemblance quickly ends when the plant bursts forth with its large red flowers in summer!

H. coccinues 'Alba', also known as 'Texas White Star' or 'Lone Star'.

The Scarlet Hibiscus is a slender shrubby herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter and re-sprouts in spring. Established plants can have one to several stems up to 2m tall. The five petaled flowers are brilliant crimson red 2-3cm across. Each flower lasts only a day but new ones continue to open into fall.

Hibiscus section Muenchhusia: Hibiscus coccineus is another North American member of section Muenchhusia, which is composed of hardy, herbaceous, perennial Hibiscus species. Within section Muenchhusia, there are numerous naturally occuring forms as well as flower colors, ranging from pure white to deep red. Additionally, many cultivars have been released through the years into the nursery trade ―many of these cold-hardy Hibiscus cultivars are hybrids of Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus palustris and perhaps even Hibiscus dasycalyx. In cultivation these species, cultivars and hybrids make an attractive addition to the garden, not only adding visual appeal but also enhancing wildlife value for nectar-feeders and birds. What's more, it now looks like a new era of hybridizing has begun for the cold-hardy Swamp Mallow family. For more infomation, see the following article: "A Blue Flowering Winter-hardy Hibiscus".

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Coccineus. There are many beautiful flowers among our native plants which the "Native Flowers & Ferns of the United States" and Professor Goodale's "Wild Flowers of America" are doing much to make known. Hibiscus coccineus, is just as showy as the Chinese Hibiscus, with the advantage of being hardy at least as far north as Philadelphia. A southern correspondent tells us he is about to put it on the market, and we are sure he will do good work.

   The Gardener's monthly and horticulturist
   Editor: Thomas Meehan
   Published by Charles H. Marot, 1881

Hibiscus columnaris

2009-12-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus columnaris | Mahot Rempart

Hibiscus columnaris is endemic to Mauritius and Réunion Islands, however, on Mauritius it is considered extinct since the last specimen was seen in the 19th century. On Réunion, there are only a few remaining specimens. This small, often multi-trunked tree grows up to 2m tall, in semi-dry regions of the island. It is a good candidate for a water conserving garden. the flowers are yellow, and leaves are slightly fuzzy giving them a sandpaper-like feel. The leaf shape is similar to that of Hibiscus mutabilis, however, the flowers are quite different.

Reference: Ce petit arbre peut atteindre une dizaine de mètres de hauteur, avec un tronc d'un diamètre de 30 centimètre. Il est souvant très ramifiés à sa base. Son écorce, lisse, reste verte même sur les tronc assez âgés. Les feuilles juvéniles sont parfois palmatilobées devenant tricuspides chez les individus adultes. Leur forme évoque celle de certains Dombeya. Les stipules sont longues, bien visibles à la base du pétiole.Les fleurs apparaissent d'avril à juillet à la base des feuilles et présentent des pétales jaunes qui restent parallèles à la colonne staminique imposante, caractéristique des Hibiscus. La floraison est importante et esthétique mais donne rarement des fruits et des graines. Hibiscus Columnaris est devenu rare et ne se rencontre plus dans les forêts semi-sèches de basse et moyenne altitude.

Translation: This small tree can reach about ten meters high with a trunk diameter of 30cm. It is often much branched at its base. Its bark is smooth and still green even on the older trunk. The young leaves are sometimes palmate becoming tricuspid when mature. Their shape evokes that of some Dombeya. The stipules are long, clearly visible at the base of the stalk. The flowers appear from April to July at the base of leaves and have yellow petals that remain parallel to the imposing stamenal column, characteristic of Hibiscus. The flowers appear from April to July at the base of leaves and have yellow petals that remain parallel to the imposing stamen column, characteristic of Hibiscus. Flowers are prominent and aesthetic but rarely fruit and seed. Hibiscus Columnaris has become rare and is no longer found in the semi-dry forests of the low and medium altitudes.

Reference: I have seen only a few poor specimens of Hibiscus columnaris, but it certainly belongs either to the section Ketmia under which De Candolle already mentioned it, or to section Trionum. Hibiscus lampas, also incorporated in section Columnaris by Hochreutiner, is treated in the present revision under the genus Thespesia on account of its compound stigma.

   Malesian Malvaceae revised
   By Jan van Borssum Waalkes
   Published by J. J. Groen en Zoon, 1966

Hibiscus costatus

2009-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus costatus | Algodoncillo, Baba de Perro, Hibisco de Sabana

Representatives of Hibiscus section Furcaria are found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world including Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia and some Pacific Islands. Section Furcaria consists of about 60 species, with at least 17 of these from the Americas.

Hibiscus costatus is a perennial shrub to 1.5m tall, found in Cuba, southern Mexico and Central America. It grows in evergreen forest, oak woodland, savanna, scrub, often in wet or sandy places. The solitary flowers are pink, and in warmer areas Hibiscus costatus flowers throughout the year. In Cuba and Mexico there are a variety of common names including: Algodoncillo, Baba de Perro, and Hibisco de Sabana.

Historical Reference: BABA DE PERRO: Nombre que dan en el barrio de Cerro de Cabras (Pinar del Río) al Hibiscus costatus, A. Rich., Malvácea silvestre, de flores grandes, rosadas. El nombre se debe a la gran cantidad de mucilago que tienen sus tallos. V. Hibisco de Sabana.

Translation: DOG'S SALIVA: Name given in the barrio de Cerro de Cabras (Pinar del Río) to Hibiscus costatus, A. Rich., a wild malvaceae with big, pink flowers. The name is due to the large quantity of mucilage that the stems have. V. Savanna Hibiscus.

   ‪Boletin, Issue 1; Issue 54‬
   ‪Santiago de las Vegas (Cuba). Estación Experimental Agronómica‬,
   Published ‪1953‬

Hibiscus dasycalyx

2009-12-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus dasycalyx, The Necches River Rosemallow:
a rare marsh plant known from only a few locations in eastern Texas

Hibiscus dasycalyx | Neches River Rosemallow, Narrow-Leaved Hibiscus, Nacogdoches River Mallow

Muenchhusia is a section of Hibiscus, composed of five closely related, hardy, perennial species native to North America. These species are mainly confined to marshy habitats in the eastern half of the United States, and are collectively identified as 'Rose-mallows'. The five species are: Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus dasycalyx, Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis and Hibiscus moscheutos. Both H. lasiocarpos and H. palustris can be split from H. moscheutos but are sometimes ranked as subspecies.

Hibiscus dasycalyx, the Neches River Rosemallow, is a rare marsh plant known only from a few locations in eastern Texas. It is threatened by hybridization and encroachment of both Hibiscus laevis and Hibiscus moscheutos into its range, as well as loss of habitat along the Neches River and tributaries. Because Hibiscus dasycalyx hybridizes easily with both Hibiscus laevis and Hibiscus moscheutos, questions have been raised as to the taxonomic validity of Hibiscus dasycalyx. Two independent genetic studies (Mendoza 2004; Small 2004) indicate that it is in fact a distinct species, but more closely related to Hibiscus laevis than Hibiscus moscheutos. Robert Klips suggested that Hibiscus dasycalyx might best be regarded as a subspecies or variety of Hibiscus laevis (Klips 1995).

Hibiscus dasycalyx has delicate, slender, finely divided leaves on long, arching stems. The creamy white flowers are up to 15cm with dark burgundy eyes, and appear from June through August. Occasionally the petals will be pink. Plants often bloom into October depending upon water availability. This Hibiscus is distinguished from other native Hibiscus in that its flower has a densely pubescent calyx and its mature seeds are densely pubescent as well. Budding and leafing normally occur in late March and April, and seed pods are present from July through November. Seeds are buoyant in water for several hours thus aiding in the dispersal of the species.

The Neches River Rosemallow is a species of conservation concern with a history of declining numbers, and is a candidate for the federally listed Endangered Species Act. It is found naturally in only three confirmed counties of East Texas (Houston, Trinity, Cherokee and possibly Harrison) with one population recently discovered in the Davy Crockett National Forest in Houston County. It occurs naturally in wetlands, floodplains and in marsh conditions near the Neches, Trinity, and Angelina Rivers where the bases of the plants stand in water until late in the growing season (and may remain year round in marsh conditions). Like other Hibiscus in section Muenchhusia, the stems die back in late fall and resume growth from the rootstock in March to April. For best floral development, all of these American perennial mallows must be grown in full sun. While they are native to areas that are flooded during part of the growing season, they will often do well in cultivation with weekly watering.

Hibiscus diriffan

2009-12-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus diriffan: Although it is rare in California,
this species is often misidentified as Hibiscus scottii.

Hibiscus diriffan

Hibiscus diriffan is endemic to the island of Soqotra. The Soqotran Archipelago is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea belonging to Yemen. Hibiscus diriffan is distributed on the southern limestone plateaus of the island, from Diksam to Wadi Irih and extending onto the granitic slopes of the Haggeher mountains. It can be found growing at altitudes of 20–1,300m and is common in several vegetation types. According to a 2004 IUCN asessment, this is a species of "least comcern", and considered to be under no present or perceived threat.

Hibiscus diriffan has bright yellow flowers and small gray-green leaves. It is similar to another Soqotran endemic, Hibiscus quattanensis but differs in the densely stellate-hairy not glabrescent pedicels, epicalyx and calyx. The leaves are also narrower with a distinctly cordate base and crenate margins, and have a tendency to become lobed.

Hibiscus fragilis

2009-12-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus fragilis | Augerine, Mandrinette

Hibiscus fragilis is one of the original species (from Hibiscus section Lilibiscus) that was used in the development of many of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars found today. Lamentably, the Mandrinette is one of the many critically endangered plant species unique to the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. This species is endemic to Mauritius and Réunion Islands, however it is now considered extinct on Réunion. Conservation status is listed as critically endangered (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). In the wild, this species was thought to have been reduced to only ten plants (in the Corps de Garde Mountains of Mauritius) until more recently, 26 new plants were discovered on the top of Le Morne Brabant, one of the island's highest mountains (Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula with a summit of 556m, located at the extreme south-western tip of Mauritius).

In nature, Hibiscus fragilis is found in exposed locations of mountainous areas (subtropical/tropical dry habitats). This highly ornamental, evergreen shrub has pink to carmine red flowers and deep green glossy foliage. As compared with the majority of modern Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars, Hibiscus fragilis has relatively small flowers, and leaves that feel thicker and rougher to the touch. Despite its Latin name, fragilis (meaning ‘easily broken, breakable, brittle or fragile’), this upright growing shrub has stems and branches that are quite flexible, as compared to most Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars.

Regeneration in its natural habitat is poor, due to introduction of alien species, however Hibiscus fragilis is easily propagated by cuttings and seeds. The continued survival of this species depends upon successful management of the wild populations, and ongoing propagation of known cultivated sources.

Reference: El mandrinitte (Hibiscus fragilis) es un hermoso arbusto de flores rojas, que se encuentra exclusivamente en las islas Mauricio, situadas a unos 900km de Madagascar. En la actualidad su población se reduce a unas 20 plantas adultas situadas en una reducida área montañosa y una segunda población de 26 plantas, hallada recientemente en la cima de la montaña Morne Brabant, en la misma isla. No se está regenerando, probablemente por la competencia de especies introducidas. La única esperanza de supervivencia de esta plant es manejar las dos poblaciones silvestres conocidas mediante la erradicación de competidores exóticos y la repoblación artificial de áreas, si fuera necesario. Segun la Lista Roja del UICN se halla en Peligro crítico.

Translation: The Mandrinitte (Hibiscus fragilis) is a beautiful red flowered shrub found exclusively on the islands of Mauritius, located about 900km from Madagascar. Presently, its population is reduced to approximately 20 adult plants in a small mountainous area and a second population of 26 plants, recently discovered at the top of Mt. Morne Brabant, on the same island. It is not being regenerated, probably due to competition from introduced species. The only hope for survival of this plant is manage the two known wild populations by eradicating exotic competitors and the restocking of areas, if necessary. According to the IUCN Red List is in Critical Danger.

   Enciclopedia de la Ecología y la salud
   By José A Valtueña
   Published by Editorial Safeliz, 2002

Hibiscus heterophyllus

2009-12-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus heterophyllus | Native Rosella, Sorrel Tree, Various-Leaved Hibiscus

Photo courtesy of Colleen Keena

Hibiscus heterophyllus is found in open Australian forests from the south coast of New South Wales to northeast Queensland. It is a medium to large shrub, 3-6m high. The large 15cm flowers last only 1-2 days but new flowers continue to bloom over a long period, generally from spring through to summer. The flowers may be white, pink or yellow with a deep red center, followed by hairy seed capsules, which can cause skin irritation ―exercise caution when handling! In northern Queensland plants tend to be yellow flowered and begin blooming in June, while further south they tend to be white flowered and begin in December. The flower buds can be made into jam and other parts of the plant have been used by Aboriginal people as a food source. For more information, see this excerpt on Australian Bushfoods: Native Rosella

Historical Information: Hibiscus heterophyllus was recorded in the Brisbane area in 1824 by Allan Cunningham, in 1828 by Charles Fraser and again in 1844 by Ludwig Leichhardt. Describing the vegetation along the Brisbane River, Cunningham noted that Hibiscus heterophyllus was very frequent on the immediate bank "clothed with a profusion" of flowers.

Historical Reference: Hibiscus heterophyllus — The Various-Leaved Hibiscus. Synonyme - Hibiscus grandifloras. Specific Character - Stem shrubby, prickly. Leaves lanceolate, for the most part three-lobed, with prickly scrratures. Description —This very beautiful plant is a native of New Holland, and requires a greenhouse in this country. In its native country it forms a large-sized shrub, and the natives make its bark into cordage. In England it grows best in a conservatory, where it is extremely ornamental, not only for its flowers, but for its leaves, which vary exceedingly. The only drawback to its cultivation is, that its flowers last a very short time, falling almost as soon as they have expanded.

   Ladies' Flower-garden of Ornamental Greenouse Plants
   By Jane Loundon
   Published by William Smith, 1848

Historical Reference: Charles Fraser traveled upstream on the Brisbane river in July 1828. Fraser's journal notes: "Following the course of the river towards the termination of Oxley's Range, the banks, which are comparatively divested of thickets, become more open and picturesque, and the nearer the Bremer is approached, the clearer is the country and the more precipitous the banks. These are interspersed with excellent Gum Trees, (Eucalypti), occasional patches of Currijong (Brachychiton), and Natives' Cordage Tree, (Hibiscus heterophyllus) which again are overhung with a new and beautiful kind of Passion Flower.

   Journal of a two months' residence on the banks of the Rivers Brisbane and Logan.
   By Charles Fraser, Colonial Botanist, July 1828

Hibiscus hirtus

2009-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus hirtus | Lesser Mallow, दुपारी Dupari (Marathi), Lal-surgumini (Bengali)

Hibiscus hirtus is a diminutive species from the East Indies and Malaysia. The Lesser Mallow is an easy to grow tropical sub-shrub or perennial which reaches up to 6m in height. It has small, attractive flowers up to 3cm across. Flowers can be red, white, pink or orange. The Marathi name Dupari (noon) comes from the fact the flowers open fully at noon. This species is similar to, and in the past often confused with another tiny Hibiscus species ―Hibiscus phoeniceus from Carribbean and Central America.

Historical Reference: Clearly a very distinct species from the Hibiscus phœniceus of the younger Linnaeus and Jacquin, published in the third volume of this work, fol. 230; although probably a mere variety of the Hibiscus hirtus of the elder Linnaeus, incautiously subjoined by Willdenow to phœniceus as the variety B. In phœniceus the peduncles are jointed, and the upper part is thicker than the lower; which is not the case here. The leaflets of the inner calyx are there membranous, rather smooth, and three times broader than in our plant, where they are herbaceous and roughly furred. Phœniceus is altogether a much slenderer plant, not so conspicuously nor stiffly furred as the present; and we suspect that it is not even an East-Indian vegetable. Jacquin's specimen is preserved in the Banksian Herbarium, and is evidently of a distinct species from the three other specimens from three distant parts of India preserved in the same place under one name; and which appear all to be of the species of our plant. Probably Jacquin's plant is really South-American, as he asserts.

The drawing was made from a sample which flowered late in the summer at Messrs. Whitley, Brames, and Milne's, Fulham; where it had been raised from seed, sent from Calcutta by Mrs. Clarke. According to Van Rheede it grows to be a pretty large shrub. Koenig speaks of its being very generally cultivated in the gardens of the temples of India. Dr. Roxburgh says it is common in all parts of that country .

Linnaeus has not adduced Van Rheede's figure to his hirtus; and it being possible that his plant may be specifically distinct from the present, we have deemed it safer to abide by Kœnig's specific name; his plant being clearly the species and variety of Van Rheede and Roxburgh, as well as of the present article. We do not know that the species has been before introduced into this country. Cultivated in the hothouse. The colour of the flower is extremely brilliant.

   The Botanical Register: Consisting of Coloured Figures of Exotic Plants
   By Sydenham Teast Edwards, John Lindley
   Published 1818

Hibiscus insularis

2009-12-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus insularis | Phillip Island Hibiscus

Hibiscus insularis is endemic to Phillip Island in the Norfolk Island Group, where the species is confined to three patches on the northern slopes (Green 1994; Mosley 2001). These plants have survived despite the grazing pigs, goats and rabbits which destroyed most of the Island's vegetation. With all of the introduced animals now removed from Phillip Island, seedlings are now growing near the original bushes. Hibiscus insularis was down to three or four bushes, and was in danger of extinction until cuttings were sent to the Sydney Botanical Gardens.

Although the species is listed as Critically Endangered (under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), it is now well established in cultivation. Hibiscus insularis is a dense bushy shrub to 4m. The 6-9cm blooms are produced freely in late summer and autumn. The flowers have cream colored petals which turn to a light purplish rose color with age. The crimson stigma pads are pronounced for a small flower. This Hibiscus is ideal for growing in coastal areas and is reasonably salt tolerant. Apparently, the plant retains a juvenile form for up to 10 years, with smaller leaves. Australian sources relay that it may take a number of years before the young plants reach maturity and they begin to bloom for the first time. For more information on Hibiscus insularis, see this excellent article: Hibiscus insularis

Historical Reference: Hibiscus insularis endemic on Phillip Island. A few plants still remain on the island, but those that I saw were in a most unhealthy condition, being covered with coccids, aphides, smuts, and other blights and pests. They were obviously maintaining an unequal struggle with an unfavourable environment.

   Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand
   Vol. XLVII, July 1915

Reference: It is not certain when rabbits were introduced to Philip but HOARE (1968) showed they were present in numbers in 1838. Today the vegetation is virtually absent. There are a few white oaks (Lagunaria) in the moister central valley, a straggly clump of Hibiscus insularis, and a few weeds, many of which are not native. A few scrawny rabbits remain. HOARE (1968) stated the pigs and goats were not exterminated until well into the third phase of settlement. One can surmise that the populations of these built up, possibly neglected in the early years of the third phase whilst the Pitcairners were settling in to their new home. Regeneration of shrubs would have been prevented and dry spells would have led to the goats reaching for the mature foliage of the scrub and the pigs grubbing for roots and gnawing at bark. Coupled with the island's natural tendency for soil erosion, these factors could have led to the gradual decline of the vegetation to a level where the larger herbivores might have died out naturally. Should the rabbits finally be exterminated, CUNNINGHAM'S notes provide a guide for efforts to restore the natural vegetation, though the Streblorrhiza and the topsoil are lost.

Philip now stands pinkly to the south of Norfolk, the pink relieved only by a few dark dots of vegetation. Numerous seabirds nest there and tourists come to marvel at the variety of hues of red, orange and yellow of the exposed subsoil. The fate of Philip Island should be borne in mind when considering the changes that have occurred and are still occurring on the main island.

   Series Entomologica
   Volume 13 of The Lepidoptera of Norfolk Island: Their Biogeography and Ecology
   Jeremy Daniel Holloway, Springer, 1966

Hibiscus kokio

2009-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus kokio | Hawaiian Red Hibiscus, Red Koki‘o, Koki‘o ‘Ula ‘Ula, Pualoalo

Hibiscus kokio is a small tree with red flowers. This Hawaiian species is not officially red-listed, but it is rare in nature. In Kauai, it can grow at elevations 70-890m. Hibiscus kokio is a variable species, usually with red to orangish-red flowers. Historically, Hawaiians used the petals to make kapa dye, and its wood produced a fine charcoal. References to the koki‘o ‘ula‘ula (‘ula means “red”) are found in old Hawaiian songs and legends. It was also popular for making leis, and was one of the few species that Hawaiians traditionally planted around their dwellings for its flowers. Hibiscus kokio was the official flower of Hawaii back in 1923, but was later replaced by Hibiscus brackenridgei. Two subspecies are recognized:

Hibiscus kokio ssp. kokio found in the dry to wet forests on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and possibly Hawaii; Hibiscus kokio var. kahilii currently seems to refer to a naturally occurring pink-flowered form. For more information on Hibiscus kokio var. kahilii, see: Endemic Pink Hibiscus Hails From Kauai
Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus A very rare endemic plant found in the coastal valleys of northwestern Kaua‘i with orange (sometimes yellow) flowers. This subspecies was named for one of Hawai‘i’s botanists, Harold St.John.

Reference: By 1885 most of Hawaii's thirty-three species of native hibiscus were rare, having succumbed to the ravages of cattle and blight. Although amateurs hybridizers utilized the re-flowered ones only infrequently for breeding experiments (the whites were more popular), those concerned for their survival brought many cuttings into cultivation. If you are privileged to own one, treat it as any hibiscus bush. Water it well and prune periodically to stimulate fresh flowering branches. Hibiscus, like fuchsias, bloom most profusely on new growth. Koki'o 'ula roots readily from cuttings.

Before cattle were introduced into Hawai'i to roam freely, wild red hibiscus bushes were available to Hawaiians for use in decoration. rituals, tapa cloth (the best fiber was from the inner bark), dyes, and medicines. All parts of the plant are edible (for example, roots, flower buds, sap. and leaves were welcome tonics to purify weakened or clogged-up innards). Adults chewed red hIbiscus buds and leaves to relieve constipation, and small doses of the mildly acting buds were even administered to babies. A traditional blood purifier incorporated red hibiscus roots pounded with dried tree fern trunks and morning glory roots. Sugarcane was added to mask the unpalatable taste.

   Hawaiian heritage plants
   By Angela Kay Kepler
   Published by University of Hawaii Press, 1998

Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus

2009-12-18T01:14:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus
Flower color ranges from yellow to dark orange.

Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus | Hawaiian Orange Hibiscus, St. John's Hibiscus, St. John's Rosemallow, Koki'o, Koki'o 'ula , Koki'o 'ula'ula , Maku

There are two subspecies of Hibiscus kokio, distinguished by several characteristics: Hibiscus kokio ssp. kokio has hairy leaves and stems, long bracts on the calyx, and red flowers, whereas Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus has fewer hairs on the leaves and stems, short bracts on the calyx, and orange, orange-red, or yellow flowers. Hibiscus kokio var. kahilii currently seems to refer to a naturally occurring pink-flowered form. For more information on Hibiscus kokio var. kahilii, see: Endemic Pink Hibiscus Hails From Kauai

Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus (formerly Hibiscus saintjohnianus and Hibiscus roetae) is endemic to the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. The name saintjohnianus commemorates one of Hawaii's most well known botanists, Harold St. John.

Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus grows as a shrub or a small tree ranging from 3 to 7m in height. The solitary flowers which distinguish this subspecies are usually orange to orangish red, or yellow, usually 4.5-7 cm long. Hibiscus kokio ssp. saintjohnianus is found on Kauai, restricted to the northwest of the island, between 150 and 890m in elevation. There are approximately 10 extant populations containing several thousand plants. Found naturally in moist forests and shrub lands, most often on cliffs, sometimes on gulch slopes. Threats include feral goats and pigs, deer, and various alien plants.

Reference: Hibiscus kokio is variable in vegetative and floral characters throughout its range. Variations are largely recurrent among the populations of each island except in the coastal valleys of northwestern Kaua'i, the range of subsp. saintjohnianus. Some of the more striking forms are cultivated and have been used in breeding cultivars of H. rosa-sinensis (Wilcox & Holt, 1913; Bates, 1965). Subspecies kokio (including H. kahilii, H. kokio var. pekeloi, H. k. var. pukoonis, H. oahuensis, H. ula), with calyx stellate pubescent and flowers red, occurs in dry to wet forest, 70-800 m, on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, and presumably Hawai'i, whereas subsp. saintjohnianus [including Hibiscus roetae] has calyx predominantly glandular pubescent, flowers usually orange to orangish red or even yellow, and tends to have less stem and leaf pubescence and shorter involucral bracts relative to the length of the calyx. It occurs in dry to mesic forest, 150-890(-1,100)m, on northwestern Kaua'i.

   Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i. VOLUME 1
   by Warren Lambert Wagner
   University of Hawai'i Press, Bishop Museum Press, 1999

Reference: 115. KOKIO or PUAALOALO. (Hibiscus)
This plant is very much the same as the foreign hibiscus introduced into the islands. There are two varieties and these are known by their flowers. The one is of a reddish color and the other is yellowish. The medicinal value of both is the same. The leaves and the buds are largely used for softening the contents of the stomach and bowels, especially in cases of constipation.

For children, the bottom of the buds are chewed and fed to them by their mothers. For the adults, the young leaves are chewed and swallowed. The slimy juice that comes from the leaves or from the buds acts as a gentle laxative for the system and is very helpful for general debility and for a run-down condition.

   Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value
   by D. M. Kaaiakamanu, J. K. Akina
   Published by The Minerva Group, Inc., 2003

Hibiscus lasiocarpos

2009-12-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus lasiocarpos | Hairy-fruited Hibiscus, Hairy-fruited Rose Mallow, Hairy Rose Mallow, Downy Rose Mallow, California Hibiscus, Delta Hibiscus, Sacramento Rose Mallow, River Mallow, Woolly Rose Mallow

As a common name, Hibiscus is more often applied to the showy tropical types, such as the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars. There is, however, another equally showy group of hardy, herbaceous, perennial Hibiscus, native to North America ―Hibiscus section Muenchhusia, composed of a number of closely related species that are mainly confined to marshy habitats (edges and banks of ponds, lakes, ditches, and streams, and low wet wooded areas) in the eastern U.S. These are collectively referred to as 'Rose Mallows' or 'Swamp Mallows'. The Muenchhusia species are: Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus dasycalyx, Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus lasiocarpos and Hibiscus palustris. Both Hibiscus lasiocarpos and Hibiscus palustris can be split from Hibiscus moscheutos, and are sometimes ranked as subspecies or varieties.

Hibiscus section Muenchhusia: Within section Muenchhusia, there are numerous naturally occuring forms as well as flower colors, ranging from pure white to deep red. Additionally, many cultivars have been released through the years into the nursery trade. In cultivation these species, cultivars and hybrids make an attractive addition to the garden, not only adding visual appeal but also enhancing wildlife value for nectar-feeders and birds. But it now looks like a new era of hybridizing has begun for the cold-hardy Swamp Mallow family. For more infomation, see the following article: "A Blue Flowering Winter-hardy Hibiscus".

Due to range overlap and resultant intergraded forms, there is ongoing discussion as to whether Hibiscus lasiocarpos (along with Hibiscus palustris) merit species status. It appears that the eastern, glabrous-fruited Hibiscus moscheutos is distributed from New Hampshire to Florida and westward, where it gives way to (and intergrades with) the more western pubescent-fruited Hibiscus lasiocarpus. Hibiscus lasiocarpos is also identified with the following basionyms: Hibiscus moscheutos ssp. lasiocarpos and Hibiscus moscheutos var. lasiocarpos.

Hibiscus lasiocarpos is a bushy perennial with multiple sprawling stems up to 2m long, with a height of approximately 4’ tall. Cutting the plant back in late spring results in shorter plants with larger flowers. The heart-shaped, usually pubescent leaves, are generally between 6 and 10 cm long. This species can be quite variable in its pubescence, with some plants almost completely glabrous while others growing in the same location are densely pubescent. The subtly fragrant flowers are large and showy, commanding attention when in full bloom (usually August through September). The inflorescence holds solitary flowers, usually cream to white colored (sometimes tinged with pink ), with a deep maroon eye, and petals up to 10cm long.

As implied by its many common names, Hibiscus lasiocarpos (sometimes also spelled Hibiscus lasiocarpus), has a wide distribution ranging from California and parts of northern Mexico, to much of the southeastern U.S. In the wild, Hibiscus lasiocarpos occurs along stream banks and freshwater marshes. It makes an excellent subject for bog gardens due to its ability to tolerate constantly wet soil. Young plants should be kept evenly moist, however older, established plants can be watered less frequently. During winter, Hibiscus lasiocarpos dies back to the roots, so it does not require much watering during this time, unless you are in a particularly arid climate.

In California, this native Hibiscus can be found growing in damp areas along the Sacramento River Delta. Threatened by riverbank alteration and loss of habitat, it is classified by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) as List 2, meaning that it is rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. In California, Hibiscus lasiocarpus has been through a variety of name changes including: Hibiscus californicus Kell 1873, Hibiscus moscheutos var. occidentals 1874, Hibiscus lasiocarpus var. occidentalis Gray 1887, Hibiscus lasiocarpus var. occidentalis Bailey 1915.

Historical Reference: Hibiscus lasiocarpus. Very similar to Hibiscus moscheutos, with broadly ovate leaves, more or less cordate at the base, nearly equally tomentose on both sides. Bracts of the incolucre ciliate. Flowers as in Hibiscus moscheutos. Capsule more or less densely hairy. [The form figured at the above place is the var. occidentalis, Gray, from Mexico and California, which differs in having the leaves more uniformly cordate at the base, and the capsule pubescent rather than hirstute.] North America.

List of published names of plants introduced to cultivation: 1876 to 1896
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Hibiscus laevis

2009-12-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus laevis | Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow, Smooth Rose Mallow

Hibiscus laevis, formerly known as Hibiscus militaris was named after the halberd, a military weapon used by European soldiers in the 14th-16th centuries. The halberd name lives on with this herbaceous native American perennial Hibiscus, whose leaves taper to a sharp narrow point. Hibiscus laevis is mostly unbranched, the pale pink 15cm flowers with a crimson base are born on smooth stout stems that rise up to 2cm. Flowers last only a single day. The fruit capsules split at maturity and release seeds that are covered with reddish brown hairs. Hibiscus laevis occurs naturally in swamps, marshes, ditches and along water bodies in eastern Canada and central and eastern U.S., south to northern Florida and Texas. It prefers full or partial sun and fertile soil. This wetland species doesn't like to dry out.

Historical Reference: A little beyond this are three beds of the mallow family; the hollyhocks belong here, as do the mallows; the crimson-eye mallow, and the swamp-rose mallow, both from North America, are showy representatives of this family; the Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow, also a North American plant, with its pinkish white flowers with a deeper center, is also showy; and the marsh mallow, a native of Europe and the Orient, is also shown; its root is used in the manufacture of a mucilage and for medicinal purposes.

Bulletin of the New York Botanical Garden
Published for the Garden by the New Era Printing Co., 1908

Hibiscus liliiflorus

2009-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus liliiflorus | Rodrigues Tree Hibiscus, Lily Flowered Hibiscus

The Mascarene Islands lie east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants, Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion have many native plant species that are either threatened or extinct. Almost extinct in the wild, Hibiscus liliiflorus was reduced to a single plant growing on the top of a mountain. This exquisite plant is one of the species used in the development of some of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrids we have today. Fortunately H. liliiflorus still survives in a few botanical gardens and private collections.

Reference: In the late 1970s, botanists had shown interest in a rare tree hibiscus (Hibiscus liliiflorus) growing on top of the highest mountain on Rodrigues. When Gerald Durrell went out to make a film, he discovered that it was being eaten up by goats. Money was given to fence it off from the goats, and forestry department workers were sent out to put up the fence. When the workers realized that they didn’t have enough fencng to go around the entire plant, they chopped off one of its large branches to make the hibiscus fit inside the fence. “They didn’t quite get it,” Wendy laments, shaking her head. “I saw the hibiscus in 1982, just after it had died.” She was given new hope, however, when she learned that a cutting taken from the plant had survived and was growing in a Catholic priest’s home on the island. “Again, when the plant was fenced, people went up and began taking bits of bark, branches, and also leaving money and putting little candles on the tree,” she recalls. “It became another magic tree. In 1982, when she went up with a forester to take a cutting, only remnants of the hibiscus remained, its fate sealed with wax from the candles placed on it and burnt in its honor. She stood there, staring at the remains, realizing nothing more could he done for it. As she contemplated the dead plant, the forester climbed over the fence and began picking up the change strewn around it. Then she recognized the second tragedy: “People were still throwing money in— these were poor people; they didn’t have ‘loose change’ to spare.

   Watching, from the Edge of Extinction
   By Beverly Peterson Stearns
   Published by Yale University Press, 2000

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Liliiflorus, Lily-Flowered Hibiscus.Malvaceae. This elegant plant, of which there are many varieties, was introduced a few years since by Mr. Barclay. It is necessary to preserve it in the stove; it grows freely, and flowers during the summer. The flowers are of a bright rosy lilac; it is necessary to preserve it in the stove, as it is a native of the Mauritius. It will increase readily by cuttings, and should be potted in loam and peat soil. Hibiscus, from ibis; a stork ; said to chew and inject a clyster.

   The Floricultural Cabinet, and Florists Magazine
   Published by Whitaker & Co., 1834

Historical Reference ―Hybids: A mule plant, derived from Hibiscus liliiflorus, whose flowers were fertilized by the pollen of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis. The consequence is a production, very variable, indeed, as to the size and form both of leaves and flowers, and amply deserving a place in every collection of stove plants. The first I heard of this charming plant was from my often-mentioned friend and invaluable correspondent, Charles Telfair, Esq. of the Mauritius, to whom I am indebted for two beautiful drawings, from the pencil of Mrs.Telfair; from one of which, the engraving here given is made. These drawings were accompanied by a letter, with the following remarks upon them. "We think a sight of these drawings may induce our excellent friend Mr. Barclay to endeavour to cultivate and vary this beautiful shrub. The variety to be artificially produced is endless, especially in the colour:—the size of the flowers too is very great, and their brilliancy and delicate shading render them objects of great interest to cultivators. With us it grows almost to a tree: and the blossoms are upon it nearly at all seasons of the year." Plants were at the same time sent to Mr. Barclay at Bury Hill, who cultivates them most successfully, and has favoured me both with drawings and dried specimens. Sometimes the shape of the leaves is almost exactly as in H. Rosa-sinensis: at other times, and that very frequently, they are trifid, or tripartite, with the segments laciniated. The flowers are deep red, buff-coloured,and more frequently of a bright and delicate rose colour. The outer calyx, or involucre of De Candolle, is always more erect than in H. Rosa-sinensis: but the column of fructification is not so much declined.

   Curtis's botanical magazine
   By John Sims Published by s.n.,1829

Hibiscus makinoi

2009-12-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus makinoi at the Nagai Botanical Gardens,
in Osaka, Japan. Photo by Jim Mayes

Hibiscus makinoi | Okinawan Hibiscus, Makino's Mallow, Hibisco de Makino, サキシマフヨウ (Sakishimafuyou)

Hibiscus makinoi occurs naturally in western Japan and is distributed from the Ryukyu Islands to western Kyushu, where it can be found growing from coastal plains to more mountainous terrain. In warmer climates, Hibiscus makinoi becomes a small tree (up to 5m) with a woody trunk, but in colder climates tends to grow as a smaller, multi-trunked perennial shrub. In Japan, Hibiscus makinoi, with its large white flowers, is regarded as a harbinger of autumn since flowering usually occurs from September to early November. It is often confused with the widely cultivated Hibiscus mutabilis (which is now escaped in western Japan) but a number of floral characteristics help to distinguish it; with Hibiscus makinoi (as compared to Hibiscus mutabilis), petal length & width, style length, anther to anther distance, anther to stigma distance, and the number of stamens are significantly smaller, and the episepal* width is wider. *episepal: the epicalyx is an extra whorl of calyx-like floral appendages positioned just below the calyx. The individual segments of the epicalyx resemble sepals and are termed episepals.

Hibiscus makinoi was named in honor of Tomitaro Makino (1862-1957) a pioneer of Japanese botany noted for his extensive taxonomic work. He has been called the "Father of Japanese Botany", since he was one of the first Japanese botanists to classify Japanese plants using the binomial system developed by Linnaeus. His research resulted in documenting 50,000 specimens, many of which are represented in Makino's Illustrated Flora of Japan.

Uses: Leaf extract of Hibiscus makinoi has recently been used in the development of skin care products and anti-aging treatments. The extract is alleged to help skin regain a youthful appearance by aiding moisture retention and maintaining natural elasticity.

Hibiscus makinoi and other closely related Asian Hibiscus species belong to section Venusti. It is reported that hybrids have been produced between some section Venusti Hibiscus and all the species of section Muenchhusia (a group of closely related, hardy, perennial Hibiscus species native to North America).

Section Venusti: —a group of a half a dozen (or more) species of Hibiscus from East Asia. The best known is Hibiscus mutabilis, commonly referred to in North America as the Confederate Rose. The recognized species are: Hibiscus indicus, Hibiscus labordei, Hibiscus leviseminus, Hibiscus makinoi, Hibiscus mutabilis and Hibiscus taiwanensis. Unfortunately, there is limited information available on most of these species, so the defining characteristics are not always clear. Moreover, there is a question as to whether they are specifically distinct enough to warrant species status. With further study, it may become apparent that some of these species would be more accurately placed as subspecies of Hibiscus mutabilis.

Hibiscus moscheutos

2009-12-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus moscheutos | Swamp Rosemallow, Musk mallow, 芙蓉葵 (Fu Rong Kui)

Hibiscus moscheutos is a cold-hardy perennial found in wetlands and along the riverine systems of the southeastern United States. Its range extends from Texas to the Atlantic states, northward into southern Ontario. In Canada, it is listed as a species of special concern by the Species at Risk Act. There are multiple sub-species, but taxonomic consensus is lacking in regard to nomenclature.

Hibiscus moscheutos often occurs naturally in large colonies. There are numerous forms and petal colors ranging from pure white to deep rose, most having a maroon center. Flowers are born apically, whereas flowers of the related Hibiscus laevis bloom along the stems.

Hibiscus section Muenchhusia: Hibiscus moscheutos is a member of the North American section Muenchhusia, which is composed of hardy, herbaceous, perennial Hibiscus species. Within section Muenchhusia, there are numerous naturally occuring forms as well as flower colors, ranging from pure white to deep red. Additionally, many cultivars have been released through the years into the nursery trade ―many of these cold-hardy Hibiscus cultivars are hybrids of Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus palustris and perhaps even Hibiscus dasycalyx. These make an attractive addition to the garden, not only adding visual appeal but also enhancing wildlife value for nectar-feeders and birds. What's more, it now looks like a new era of hybridizing has begun for the cold-hardy Swamp Mallow family. For more infomation, see the following article: "A Blue Flowering Winter-hardy Hibiscus".

Historial Reference: THE ROSE MALLOWS. The large pink-flowered rose mallow, which grows wild in swamps, and is especially abundant near the coast from Massachusetts to Florida and Louisiana, was described by Linnaeus under the name of Hibiscus Moscheutos, the name by which it has since been known ; Linnaeus thought there were two related species, and described the other one as Hibiscus palustris, but it has long been understood that the two plants which he had in mind are but forms of the common pink-flowered species. This plant has been under cultivation for a long time, and is one of the most beautiful and desirable of large hardy perennials, growing quite as well in ordinary soil as it does in its natural habitat in swamps, and flowering freely in August and September.

Journal of the New York Botanical Garden
Publisher by New York Botanical Garden, 1903

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red'

2009-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

'Luna Red' - a true dark red color.

Hibiscus moscheutos | Swamp Rosemallow, Musk mallow, 芙蓉葵 (Fu Rong Kui)

Hibiscus moscheutos is a cold-hardy perennial found in wetlands and along the riverine systems of the southeastern United States. Its range extends from Texas to the Atlantic states, northward into southern Ontario. In Canada, it is listed as a species of special concern by the Species at Risk Act.

There are multiple sub-species of Hibiscus moscheutos, but taxonomic consensus is lacking in regard to nomenclature. Adding to the confusion is the fact that in the US, Hibiscus moscheutos crosses easily with both Hibiscus laevis and Hibiscus dasycalyx, posing a threat to these species by hybridization and encroachment into their respective ranges.

Luna Red is a seed propagated cultivar, appealing because of its compact, well-branched, shrubby habit. It can grow to almost 1m tall and half as wide with flowers up to 15cm across. The Luna series currently contains four colors: ‘Luna Red’ (deep-burgundy red), ‘Luna Blush’ (white with blush-pink rim and dark-red eye), ‘Luna Pink Swirl’ (pink picotee pattern with a dark eye) and ‘Luna White’ (white with large, red eye). This series is ideal for container plantings as well as landscape uses. Once established, Hibiscus moscheutos can tolerate a variety of environmental conditions.

When grown from seed, it can be beneficial to pinch Hibiscus moscheutos (and the other American Hibiscus as well) prior to or shortly after planting in containers. This is generally a tip pinch, removing only the growing point of the plant, and should leave 4-6 leaves on each branch. Pinching increases lateral branching and the total number of flowers produced on each plant.

Hibiscus mutabilis

2009-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

The plant above may actually be Hibiscus indicus var.

integrilobus. It has flowers that do not change color.

Hibiscus mutabilis | Confederate Rose, Cotton Rose, 木芙蓉 (Mu Fu Rong), 日語 (Suifuyou), 韓語 (Buyong)

Hibiscus mutabilis is an evergreen shrub or small tree originally from China. Due to its common name in the US —Confederate Rose, some Americans mistakenly believe this attractive Hibiscus to be a native. It was once very common throughout the southern US (The Confederate States of the Civil War era), where it thrives on the gulf coast.

In warmer climates, Hibiscus mutabilis becomes a small tree (up to 4m) with a woody trunk, but in colder climates tends to grow as a multi-trunked perennial shrub. The flowers are either single or double to about 12cm in diameter, typically blooming from summer through fall. One of the defining characteristics of this species (as implied by the latin name mutabilis: changeable) is that upon opening, the flowers are white or pink but gradually change to a dark pink color by evening. In fact, varying shades of flower color can commonly be seen at one time on the same plant.

Hibiscus mutabilis and other closely related Asian Hibiscus species belong to section Venusti. It is reported that hybrids have been produced between the Hibiscus mutabilis and all the species of section Muenchhusia (a group of closely related, hardy, perennial Hibiscus species native to North America), using Hibiscus mutabilis as the seed parent.

Section Venusti: —a group of a half a dozen (or more) species of shrubby Hibiscus from east Asia. The recognized species are: Hibiscus indicus, Hibiscus labordei, Hibiscus leviseminus, Hibiscus makinoi, Hibiscus mutabilis and Hibiscus taiwanensis. Unfortunately, there is limited information available on most of these species, so the defining characteristics are not always clear. Moreover, there is a question as to whether they are specifically distinct enough to warrant species status. With further study, it may become apparent that some of these species would be more accurately placed as subspecies of Hibiscus mutabilis. Hibiscus taiwanensis is similar to Hibiscus mutabilis but has a denser, more compact habit, and single white flowers with a darker (pink) center blotch. The photo above may actually be Hibiscus indicus var. integrilobus. If you can verify ID please contact me. The plant in the photo has flowers that do not change color.

Historical Reference: Native of the East Indies, China, and Japan. Introduced by Lord Portland in 1690. It had however been cultivated before 1632 at Rome by Father Ferrari, the Jesuit who wrote the treatise " De Cultural Florum;" the seed having been sent him by some monks of his own order, as he says, from the West Indies, where, though not aboriginal, it is much cultivated for the beauty of the flowers, which are usually seen in the double or full state, as with us in our hothouses. We know of no representation of the species in the single-flowered state in any of our popular works, and have been induced to publish the present figure for that reason. On the first appearance of the plant in the gardens of Europe, it attracted much attention by the curious transitions of a corolla, opening in the morning from green to white, about noon beginning to redden, in the evening deepening to a full crimson, then quickly fading.

Ferrari, who has allotted several fine engravings and many pages of description to its illustration, likens the leaves to those of the Vine for size, to the Fig-tree for hue and surface, to the Ivy for the angular incisure of the circumference. It should be observed, that when he says the seeds came from the West Indies, he mentions its appellation as being Fuyo, which is its vernacular one in its native Japan.

   The Botanical register
   By Sydenham Teast Edwards, John Lindley,
   Published by Ridgway, 1821

Hibiscus ovalifolius

2009-12-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Hawaiian Hibiscus ovalifolius, formerly Hibiscus rockii.

Hibiscus ovalifolius | Lemon-yellow Rosemallow, Kaua‘i Yellow Hibiscus, Ma‘o Hau Hele, Rock’s Kaua‘i Hibiscus

This is a Hibiscus with a history! Formerly and variously known as Hibiscus calyphyllus, Hibiscus calycinus, Hibiscus chrysanthus, Hibiscus rockii or Hibiscus brackenridgei var. kauaiana. The name ovalifolius currently has priority over calyphyllus Cav. (1788), since ovalifolius is based on the older Urena ovalifolia Forssk. (1775). This perennial shrub grows 1 to 2m tall, with a spreading growth habit. It's 13cm flowers are yellow with a deep brownish or crimson eye. Hibiscus ovalifolius blooms from late spring through the summer with flowers that last a few hours. It requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Rock’s Kaua‘i Hibiscus —Hawaiian populations of Hibiscus ovalifolius were originally described as an endemic taxon, formerly known as Hibiscus rockii. There is continuing debate over their status, with some horticulturalists asserting that the Hawaiian population is sufficiently different from African and Madagascan ones that specific rank is warranted (Bornhorst, 1996). I wholeheartedly agree with this view. The most noticeable differences are found in the stems and growth habit: A side by side comparison of the plants I grow shows the Hawaiian Hibiscus ovalifolius to be a more relaxed, sprawling shrub with longer reddish stems as compared with the African variety. Furthermore, the Hawaiian version is almost thornless whereas the African version is not. There is also a slight difference in color —the Hawaiian having lighter yellow flowers, the African with a slightly more vibrant yellow hue.

Reference: Hibiscus rockii is a low sprawling shrub with large yellow blossoms, and is a variety native to Kaua‘i. It's natural growth habit is shrublike: from 2 to 4 feet tall. It is sometimes found in old kamaaina gardens on Kaua‘i and the other islands. For some scientists, this is evidence that it is a naturalized species. However, we grew the Kaua‘i plant next to the African Hibiscus calyphyllus in the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and we found them to be distinct and different. The Kaua‘i variety is much prettier, with larger flowers, a more manageable growth habit, an fewer prickles on the base of the flower and along the leaves.

   Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the Gardener
   By Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst
   Published by Bess Press, 2005

Historical Reference: Hibiscus calycinus.—This Hibiscus, also known as H. chrysanthus, is one of the shrubby members of the genus, and in the temperature of a warm greenhouse it grows well and flowers freely even in a small state. It is of a good branching habit of growth, clothed with rather pale green leaves, which, as well as the young shoots, are covered with hairs. The flowers, which are freely borne towards the ends of the shoots, are each nearly 3 inches in diameter and of a sulphur-yellow colour, with a large purplish brown blotch at the base of each petal, thus forming a dark coloured eye. The flowers, though somewhat campanulate in shape, as in many of the different kinds of Hibiscus, are produced in nearly an upright manner. This Hibiscus is very readily propagated from cuttings of the young growing shoots put in at any time during the spring and early summer months. Plants so obtained will flower in the autumn, but older specimens yield the best display of blooms. The individual blooms, as in most of the others, do not last long, but a succession is kept up for some time. As with many thin hairy-leaved plants, the greatest enemy to contend with is red spider, especially during a hot, dry summer.—T.

   The Garden: an illustrated weekly journal of gardening, Volume 50
   By William Robinson
   Published 1896

Hibiscus palustris

2009-12-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus palustris. The pink form is more common
than the white flowered Hibiscus palustris forma peckii.

Hibiscus palustris | Crimson-eyed Rose-mallow, Swamp Rose-mallow, Mallow-rose

Hibiscus palustris is another north American member of section Muenchhusia, which is composed of hardy, herbaceous, perennial Hibiscus species. The 5 recognized species are Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus dasycalyx, Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis and Hibiscus moscheutos. Both Hibiscus lasiocarpos and Hibiscus palustris can be split from Hibiscus moscheutos. There is ongoing debate among taxonomists regarding the status of Hibiscus moscheutos and Hibiscus palustris —some recognize two separate species based on characteristics such as shape of seed capsule and leaves, and pubescence of the branches.

Although Hibiscus palustris is found naturally in marshes or pond edges, this striking perennial will grow well in garden soil that is not too dry. It starts to grow late in the spring and eventually makes a big clump which can live for years. Blooms cluster on branch tips from mid-summer to fall. The more common form of Hibiscus palustris has large pink flowers. Hibiscus palustris forma peckii has large white flowers with a red eye.

Historical Reference: SWAMP ROSE MALLOW. HIBISCUS, Hibiscus palustris. A perennial plant, native of the swamps of North America, from Canada to Carolina, which it adorns with its fine rosy blossoms. It was one of the first species introduced from the New World ; and yet it is very rarely cultivated in this country, because it seldom or never flowers in the open border, where, being quite hardy, it is usually placed. This is, we believe, owing to the general lowness of our isothermal temperature. Mr. Colvill, with whom it has now flowered, informs us, that not knowing of what country his plant was native, and finding that in a Greenhouse it did not thrive, he put it in a stove, when it at length unfolded its magnificent blossoms.We suppose it is possible to increase it either by division of its perennial root, or by cuttings, although its soft annual stem is but ill adapted to the latter operation. Its seeds may be procured abundantly from North America, and are, in fact, often imported for sale along with other American productions.With our wild specimens-from South Carolina, gathered by the late Mr. Frazer, the Garden plant agrees sufficiently. Cavanilles says his flowers in the Garden at Madrid had a yellowish white colour; but Pursh, and all other authors, describe them as purple or rosy red.

   Edwards's botanical register, Volumes 1-18
   J. Lindley
   Ridgway, 1831

Hibiscus panduriformis

2009-12-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus panduriformis | Yellow Hibiscus

Hibiscus panduriformis is a shrubby perennial, up to 2.5m, with a woody base. The leaves are almost round in outline, shallowly 3-5-lobed, hairy on both surfaces, with irregularly toothed margins. Flowers are yellow with a dark center, turning apricot-orange with age. This species can be found growing in dry sandy places, often in places of old cultivation and disturbed areas throughout tropical Africa, Asia and Australia.

Reference: Hibiscus panduriformis complex in Australia has been revised. Six species are now recognized, of which one is the widespread H. panduriformis; one, H. austrinus, is based upon H. panduriformis var. australis; and four represent new species, H. apodus, H. calcicola, H. fluvialis, and H. multilobatus. A new variety is recognised in H. austrinus, namely var. occidentalis.

   Blumea - Journal of Plant Geography
   Vol. 50, No 2, July 2005
   by Juswara, L.S.; Craven, L.A.

Historical Reference: Plants principally for Manufactures. Hibiscus panduriformis —Native name on the Mitchell, Bee-allo. A fibrous plant; grows to 10 feet high; scabrous and rough. The bark is stripped, cleaned, and twisted into cordage for bags, nets, and twine; found on the Mitchell.

   The Journal of the Anthropological Institute
   Royal Anthropological Institute, 1884

Hibiscus paramutabilis

2009-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus paramutabilis | Hardy Chinese Shrub Hibiscus, 庐山芙蓉 (Lu Shan Fu Rong)

Hibiscus paramutabilis is a deciduous Hibiscus with broad green leaves and large, extremely attractive flowers up to 20cm in diameter. Although it is similar in both name and appearance to Hibiscus mutabilis, it is not closely related. Endemic to central China, this species grows to 2m or more in height, often with arching canes. It can be found growing at an elevations from 500-1000m in the provinces of Gangxi, Hunan, and Jiangxi. There are two subspecies recoginzed: Hibiscus paramutabilis var. paramutabilis (formerly Hibiscus saltuarius) and Hibiscus paramutabilis var. longipedicellatus. Hibiscus mutabilis blooms from spring into fall (or until frost), producing flowers over most of the active growing season. This morning as I write from southern California, it is mid December. The day is cool and overcast, but there are 2 large flowers that opened just this morning!

Hibiscus paramutabilis along with Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus sinosyriacus form a group of 3 closely related hardy Hibiscus species (section Hibiscus) indigenous to China. According to at least one source, Hibiscus sinosyriacus appears to be genetically close to Hibiscus paramutabilis, but shows slightly more Hibiscus syriacus influence.

Historical Reference: TWO SPECIES OF HIBISCUS FROM CHINA. In reporting in 1920 on a collection of plants in China I stated (Gent. Herb. 87) that "two apparently undescribed species of Hibiscus were taken, and they have been tentatively named, described and illustrated; but further material is awaited." This material is now in hand, and the descriptions follow.

Hibiscus paramutabilis, Kuling -a showy broad-headed small tree, possibly planted. Blume -a tropical shrubby villous plant, probably belongs to the same group; from the present species it is distinguished by cordate strongly toothed leaves, long-pedicelled inclined or pendent flowers, and other characters. I suspect that H. paramulabilis is not confined to China.

Hibiscus sinosyriacus, Kuling -a stout erect shrub, possibly planted. In general habit much like Hibiscus syriacus, but differing markedly in the leaves and the wide calyx-bracts.

Hibiscus syriacus, I took in China at Chikungshan (Hupeh-Honan), said to have been transplanted from the wild; also in temple grounds near Kioshan (Honan), supposedly planted.

   Gentes herbarum
   Liberty Hyde Bailey, Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium
   Published by L.H. Bailey Hortorium of the New York State College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, 1920

Hibiscus pedunculatus

2009-12-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus pedunculatus | Pink Hibiscus, Wild Hibiscus, Cape Hibiscus

A native of South Africa and Mozambique, this perennial Hibiscus grows to 2m tall, although mature plants at half that size are more common. This evergreen shrub is covered from spring to autumn with small pink flowers. The species is found naturally on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and the warmer, wetter parts of the SA midlands, at the edges of evergreen forest.

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Pedunculatus, The Long-stalked Cape Hibiscus. Specific Character —Leaves three or five-lobed, obtuse, crenated, hairy. Peduncles axillary, twice as long as the leaves. Corolla campanulate. Description —This is a very ornamental greenhouse plant, which blossoms freely about July; the beauty of its large rose-coloured flowers being greatly enhanced by the dusky green of its foliage. It is an upright shrub, growing about two feet high. The flowers are somewhat campanulate. The plant is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced in 1812. The flowers appear from May to December.

   Ladies' Flower-garden of Ornamental Greenouse Plants
   Jane Loundon
   Published by William Smith, 1848

Hibiscus phoeniceus

2009-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus phoeniceus | Brazilian Rosemallow

This petite Hibiscus is found throughout the Carribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It can be found growing on plains, hillside and thickets at lower elevations in the drier parts of Puerto Rico and the West Indies. Small red, pink or white flowers are less than 1.5" in diameter.

Reference: Proposal to reject the name Hibiscus brasiliensis (Malvaceae). The names Hibiscus brasiliensis L. (1763) and H. phoeniceus Jacq. (1776) have long been associated with the same species, widely distributed in the Neotropics. This entity has been called either H. brasiliensis, with Hibiscus phoeniceus in synonymy, or (more commonly) Hibiscus phoeniceus, with Hibiscus brasiliensis rejected as a “nomen dubium” or otherwise excluded. Turns out there is reason aplenty for the confusion: whereas the Linnaean protologue of H. brasiliensis questioningly cited a Plumier plate unequivocally identifiable as the sp. in question, the accompanying description is strongly discordant; moreover, Linnaeus later dropped the plate citation. The present authors have found no specimen in Linnaeus’s herbaria that “corresponds to the description or that can be associated with the name,” leaving the Plumier plate as the only original material available for lectotypification. But rather than “perpetuate the confusion and misapplication that has been engendered” by the prior use of the name H. brasiliensis, the intended application of which “has never been satisfactorily ascertained,” the authors eschew lectotypification and seek to avoid what they see as “a disadvantageous nomenclatural change” by means of this proposal. For members of the Committee, this one may be a tough call; but we are biased here, since Hibiscus phoeniceus is the name used for this species in the soon-to-be-published Manual Malvaceae treatment (by Fryxell).

Fryxell, P.A. & F.A. Berazain. 2007.

Hibiscus 'Red Flyer'

2009-12-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus 'Red Flyer' | Red Flyer Mallow

This is a sterile hybrid between two American natives: Hibiscus coccineus and Hibiscus grandiflorus. The cross produced a towering plant with large flowers. Heterosis is a term used in genetics (aka hybrid vigor). It refers to the increased strength of desireable characteristics in hybrids, and the the potential of obtaining genetically superior offspring by combining the best virtues of each parent —an apt description for 'Red Flyer'! This deciduous plant grows from basal canes up to 3.5m tall, and begins flowering in July continuing through frost.

Reference: When two plant species are crossed, the desirable qualities from each parent suppress the undesirable ones. This is called hybrid vigor, and plant breeders are always looking for new combinations to get it. Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina, has introduced a new Texas star hybrid named Hibiscus 'Red Flyer.' It's a cross between H. coccineus and another native, Swamp Rosemallow (H. grandiflorus). 'Red Flyer' (H. coccineus x H. grandiflorus) has the Swamp Rose mallow's good trait for insect resistance while the showy foliage and flower form come from the Texas Star. 'Red Flyer' can reach 12 feet in height. It grows best in full sun, prefers moisture, and is a heavy feeder. Expect it to start blooming in mid-July, clear through until first frost. This plant will not self-seed because it is sterile. USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. AHS Heat Zones 12-1 (estimated)

   Some Like It Hot: Flowers That Thrive in Hot Humid Weather
   By Pamela J. Gartin
   Published by Gibbs Smith, 2007

Hibiscus radiatus

2009-12-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus radiatus | Monarch Rosemallow, October Rose, Ruby Hibiscus, Rayed Hibiscus

Hibiscus radiatus, is often called 'October Rose' because of its flowering season in the northern hemisphere. This is one of the 'cannabis leaved' types of Hibiscus as can be seen in the photo. This beautiful Hibiscus can grow to 10' by bloom time and is covered in deep burgundy colored blooms (color may vary). This plant is perennial in USDA zones 9-11 or a self-sowing annual in other zones. Prefers full sun and well drained soil (but will grow in the shade). Also an excellent plant in drought conditions ―it will grow almost anywhere with little care. Caution: In certain areas with favorable conditions, this species becomes weedy. As with many species in Hibiscus section Furcaria, the stems and seed pods have small spines.

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Radiatus, vor. FLORE PURPUREO, (Purple-flowered rayed Hibiscus). — Common in the Calcutta Gardens, but raised from seeds received from Mr. Wilson, superintendent "of the late Botanic Garden at Bath", in the Island of Jamaica. I say late, an awful avalanche of stones having recently overwhelmed the Garden.

   Horticulturist and journal of rural art and rural taste
   edited by Andrew Jackson Downing
   Published 1860

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

2009-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, double variety
by Gordon Gee, 1956

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Tropical Hibiscus, Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose

I have dedicated a separate page for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars. Photos will be added in time, as plants come into bloom. Go to: http://hibiscus-malvaceae-rosa-sinensis.blogspot.com

This botanical illustration is the work of Gordon Gee who for 18 years worked at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens as a sign writer. Gordon was employed at the Gardens from 1956 to 1974. During this time he prepared many thousands of labels for plants throughout the conservatories and grounds of the Botanic Gardens together with descriptive signs depicting plants of special seasonal importance. His skill as an artist was recognized and he was encouraged to produce drawings and paintings of specimens at the Gardens.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cooperi'

2009-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cooperi’ | Checkered Hibiscus, Sir Daniel Cooper's Hibiscus, ‘Snow Queen’

The popularity of ‘Hibiscus Cooperi’ dates back to the Victorian era. ‘Hibiscus Cooperi’ has showy variegated foliage splashed with various combinations of white, pink and green, as well as a compact growth habit. The red flowers appear at the tips of the branches and are up to 10cm inches across. Pinching out tips of stems in spring and summer helps to increase flower production. There are a number of cultivars often associated with ‘Hibiscus Cooperi’. The plant in the photo at left is ‘Snowflake’. There are also other cultivars, like ‘Snow Queen’, ‘Roseflake’ and ‘Hummels Fantasy’― an even more compact cultivar with lots of white variegation in the leaves.

It appears that there may possibly be some confusion regarding the plant most commonly labeled ‘Hibiscus Cooperi’ in the U.S. As compared with some historical images, it is probable that what is now labeled as ‘Roseflake’ (aka ‘Carnival’), may be closer to the historical descriptions and images of ‘Hibiscus Cooperi’.

Historical Information: The history of this plant is somewhat unclear, but based on scattered bits of information, it is possible this may actually be a naturally occurring species (or subspecies of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Apparently, back in the late 1800s, the location of this Hibiscus' homeland was in question —three or more historical references list its origin as New Caledonia, others indicate southern Australia. An old German reference says it was discovered by Sir Daniel Cooper in New Caledonia and introduced by him to England. (Neue allgemeine deutsche Garten- und Blumenzeitung, Volume 21, Otto & Mettler,1865). 'Hibiscus Cooperi' is a cold-tender plant, much more so than many other Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars. In my opinion, this lends further support to the claim that it is indigenous to a locale with a more tropical climate than southern Australia (see historical references below).

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Cooperi. Cooper's Hibiscus. (Hibiscus was Virgil's name for the Marsh Mallow.) This is a fine shrub with large scarlet flowers; a native of New Caledonia. The one in Schenley Park is of the variety tricolor. [a. & s.]

   Botanical guide through the Phipps conservatories in Pittsburg and Allegheny
   Gustave Guttenberg
   Printed by Foster, Dick & Co., 1894

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Cooperii, Sir Daniel Cooper's Hibiscus. We cannot be wrong in selecting for a place in this series Hibiscus Cooperii, for it has leaves that are exquisitely beautiful, and in its season it is crowned with gorgeous flowers. he particular subject of this notice is a native of the hottest parts of the Australian continent, where it was first discovered by Sir Daniel Cooper, Bart., of Woollabra, near Sidney, and some time treasurer to the Royal Horticultural Society of London.

The plant is of delicate constitution, but when properly treated grows freely, and is extremely beautiful. The young stems are of a deep red colour, and the footstalks of the leaves, and the stipules that accompany them, are of the same colour. The leaves are lanceolate or elongate-ovate, wedge-shaped at the base, pointed at the apex, irregularly bluntly toothed. They vary considerably in colours, but the prevailingtints are carmine red, with patches of creamy white on the outer parts of the blade, with more or less of light and dark green dappled in the line of the midrib. Numerous as are plants with highly-coloured leaves, we have few that equal this in the abundance and richness of its tones of red. When it flowers, however, surprise must precede admiration, for the flowers are not surpassed in splendour by any other species of this noble family. The flowers usually exceed six inches in diameter; they present no peculiarities of structure, being of the ordinary Hibiscus type, the long narrowish petals being rather widely separated. The colour of the petals is an intense carmine scarlet, but the base of each is blush, which breaks into the scarlet in delicate veins, the centre of the flower being blackish crimson. The plant has at least one defect, and that is extreme shyness in producing flowers: this, however, is a common defect of new plants, owing to their being kept in a constantly growing state, for purposes of propagation. When quite established it will probably flower much more freely than it has done hitherto.

   New and rare beautiful-leaved plants
   Shirley Hibberd
   Published by Bell and Daldy, 1870

Historical Reference: HIBISCUS COOPERI, Le catalogue de M. James Veitch nous apprend que cet arbuste a été rapporté de l'Australie méridionale par sir Daniel Cooper, Bart., et qu'il portera de grandes fleurs rouges. Il aurait été dédié à ce gentilhomme— mais nous ignorons absolument par quel botaniste et nous ne savons dans quel ouvrage il faudrait en puiser la diagnose. Jusqu'à ce que la science ait parlé, nous nous bornerons à dire qu'il nous parait peu probable que la patrie réelle de cette plante soit la Nouvelle-Galles du Sud, au climat àpre; elle dérive, selon toute apparence, de quelque contrée autrement favorisée des dieux, la Nouvelle Calédonie par exemple. Cette supposition est plus fondée que l'assertion hasardée de ces exposants, lesquels à défaut du nom réel de la patrie font venir cet Hibiscus qui du Pérou, qui du Japon, points du monde suffisamment distants de Sydney, où sir Cooper l'a embarqué. Il ne saurait d'ailleurs endurer le climat du Japon.

Nous cultivons l'Hibiscus Coopcri en serre tempérée pendant l'hiver. Durant l'été sa place est en plein air, au grand soleil. On remarquera que notre planche a été faite d'après un bien maigre échantillon; bien taillée, bien menée cl touffue, cette plante produit beaucoup d'effet. Sa multiplication par voie de boutures est aussi facile que celle de la plupart de ses congénères. L. VH.

   Flore des serres et des jardins de l'Europe: annales générales d'horticulture, Volume 15
   L. Van Houtte., 1865

Translation: HIBISCUS COOPERI, The catalog of Mr. James Veitch tells us that this shrub was brought back from South Australia by Sir Daniel Cooper, and that it bears large red flowers. It was dedicated to this gentleman, but we know not by what botanist and we know not which work to draw out the diagnosis. Until science has spoken, we shall simply say that it seems unlikely to us that the real home of this plant is the harsh climate of New South Wales. It derives, apparently, from some otherwise favored land of the gods, New Caledonia, for example. This assumption is more founded than the proposition of these exhibitors, which lacking the actual name of the country this Hibiscus comes from —Peru or Japan, parts of the world distantly remote from Sydney, where Sir Cooper embarked. It also can not endure the climate of Japan.

We grow Hibiscus Cooperi in a temperate glasshouse in winter. During the summer it is placed outdoors in the sun. Note that this illustration was made from a very sparse sample neatly trimmed, acheiving a bushy plant, producing much effect. Its propagation through cuttings is easier than most of its congeners (a member of the same taxonomic genus as another plant or animal). L. VH.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Painted Lady'

2009-12-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Painted Lady'

I do not grow many of the rosa-sinesis hybrids that are available, however there are a few that have caught my eye: 'Painted Lady' is an unpatented Hibiscus cultivar with single flower form, pink flower color, and a dark red eye. I am interested in finding out more about the heritage of this striking variety.

This photo was taken early one morning, before the flower had completely unfurled.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fiji Island’

2009-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fiji Island’

Although ‘Fiji Island’ is currently regarded as an early Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid, it is considered by some to be a "species type" or "near-species type". Unfortunately, due to a dearth of historical information, we know very little about the origin of this stunning Hibiscus, but it is generally presumed that it originated in Fiji or thereabouts. In recent correspondence (2010) with Geoff Harvey of Queensland Australia, Geoff writes: "It may not actually be a hybrid, but rather a species or form, along with 'White Wings', 'Fijian White', 'Fijian Pink', and 'Ruby Rose', found only in Fiji. None of these Hibiscus acquired a botanical description to establish them as official species".

Whatever the case may be, the appearance of ‘Fiji Island’ is quite different from other rosa-sinensis hybrids. The leaves have finely serrated margins and the flower itself is stunning. Fiji Island has 12cm, single, propeller-shaped blooms with dark pink petals, a darker center, and a prominent staminal column. This beautiful Hibiscus reportedly grows to 3m high, however it has a weeping, spreading habit which means a 3m width is more likely. A prolific bloomer and fast growing. One of my favorites!

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'White Wings'

2009-12-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'White Wings' | 'Hibiscus Wrightii'

'White Wings' is another old cultivar that has large white flowers (with a dark red center eye) and dark green leaves. Its long floral tube is white and pink with red stigma pads. It forms a large, full bush, growing up to 4.5m in height. It is similar to, and often confused with the cultivar ‘White Versicolor’, which has yellow stigma pads rather than red. Many nurseries have these cultivars mislabeled. In the 1950s and '60s, 'White Wings' was commonly sold in the U.S., but it has become increasingly difficult to find. If you find it, it is worth growing!

Historical Information: 'White Wings' is considered by some to be one of the earliest Hibiscus hybrids or possibly a species form. According to Ross Gast, an American Hibiscus enthusiast in the 1960s, the cultivar known as 'White Wings' in the mainland U.S. is the same as 'Hibiscus Wrightii'. It is also known as narrow-petalled 'Fijian White'. In recent correspondence (2010) with Geoff Harvey of Queensland Australia, Geoff writes: "the original 'White Wings' came from Fiji, but was taken to Hawaii over 100 years ago for use in the early breeding program there. It may not actually be a hybrid, but rather a species or form, along with 'Fiji Island', 'Fijian White' (narrow-petalled 'Fijian White'), 'Fijian Pink', and 'Ruby Rose', found only in Fiji. None of these Hibiscus acquired a botanical description to establish them as official species".

Regarding the name 'Hibiscus Wrightii': William Robert Guilfoyle (Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens from 1873-1909), wrote "This I have named 'Hibiscus Wrightii', in honor of Mr. Wright, of Hunter's Hill, Parramatta (New South Wales, Australia) to whom I feel indebted for its discovery, he having visited Pango Bay (Vanuatu), where he saw it some three or four years ago."

Hibiscus schizopetalus

2009-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus schizopetalus | Coral Hibiscus, Fringed Hibiscus, Japanese Lantern, Skeleton Hibiscus, 吊灯芙桑 , Diao Deng Fu Sang

This is an ornate, double flowered Hibiscus with uniquely shaped flowers. Although it is not native to Japan, its pendulous flowers hang from the branches reminiscent of Japanese lanterns, hence it's common name. It grows as a woody, evergreen shrub to 2m or more, with upright-arching stems. The flowers bloom on long pedicels, blooming best with heat and humidity. The name schizopetalus is derived from the Latin: schizo means split and petalus means petal —in reference to the divided petals of each flower.

This plant was formerly known as H. rosa-sinensis var. schizopetalus. Some authorities consider H. schizopetalus a species; others believe it to be a variety of H. rosa-sinensis. Originally thought to be native to east Africa: Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania —now botanists are not sure —it is found in so many places in the tropics and subtropics that no one knows for sure where this plant originated.

Historical Reference: This singular and beautiful plant has attracted much attention, on account both of its horticultural and botanical interest; differing as it does from all other species in the remarkable character of its petals, and yet presenting so many points of resemblance to a world-wide garden favourite whose native country is unknown (the Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis), as to have suggested its specific identity with that plant. The differences, however, between this and H. Rosa Sinensis are a great deal too many and too important to render the idea of this being a sport or variety of that plant tenable. They are, firstly, the petals, which, however, might have originated as a sport; then the pendulous flower, the suppression of the epicalyx, the longer tubular calyx with obtuse lobes; above all, the long fruit with small smooth seeds. I have examined specimens of H. Rosa Sinensis from thirty different localities, and found none approaching R. schizopetalus in any of the above characters. Too much importance should not be attributed to the supposition that the native country of H. Rosa Sinensis is not well known; Loureireiro states that it is indigenous in both China and Cochinchina, and it has certainly been for long cultivated in China, and it occurs in so many of the Pacific Islands as to render it very probable that it is a native of the Pacific; on the other hand, its two nearest allies, the present plant and Hibiscus lililflorus, being natives, the one of East Africa, and the other of the Mascarene Islands, suggests the probability of Africa being the parent country of Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis.

For the discovery of this fine plant we are indebted to our indefatigable correspondent, Dr. Kirk, H.B.M. Consul at Zanzibar, who found it first in 1874 on the coast hills at Mombasa, in lat. 4° S.; in 1877 at Kilwa, in 7° 40' S.; and, lastly, at Lindi, in 10° S. It grows both in dry rocky slopes and in damp mountain glens, in dense shade, amongst Bignonias, Balsams, and Ferns.

Curtis's botanical magazine
Published by Reeve Brothers, 1880

Hibiscus scottii

2009-12-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus scottii

Listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, Hibiscus scottii is endemic to the island of Soqotra. The Soqotran Archipelago is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea belonging to Yemen. Hibiscus scottii is a rare species found in a limited area, restricted to the dense semi-deciduous woodlands and granitic slopes of the Haggeher mountains of Soqotra.

Hibiscus scottii can be distinguished by its beautiful vivid yellow flowers, dark stigma pads and a split calyx. This species was named in honor of Robert Scott (1757-1808), an Irish botanist, physician, plant collector, and professor at Dublin's Trinity College.

Historical Reference: A new Hibiscus (Hibiscus Scottii, figured in the January number of the Botanical Magasine, t. 7816) was in bloom in a house containing Rhododendrons, etc. It is a Socotran plant, with rich yellow flowers, bearing dark- coloured markings at the base; but the flowers were almost closed at the time—the plant was 8 feet high.

The Gardeners' chronicle: a weekly illustrated journal of horticulture and allied subjects
Published by Gardeners Chronicle, 1902

Hibiscus splendens

2009-12-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus splendens | Hollyhock Tree, Pink Hibiscus

Hibiscus splendens is a large shrub or small tree to 7m. Leaves are covered with a dense velvety texture. The large 3-5 lobed leaves often become simple and narrower toward the top of the plant. Large 20cm blooms are produced in spring and summer. These blooms are soft rose to pale pink with crimson coloring at the base of the petals. The wine-colored anthers and stigmas combine to produce an exquisite flower, hence the name 'splendens' from the latin splendidus (splendid or bright). Hibiscus splendens is grown by many Australian native plant enthusiasts, but it deserves greater popularity since it is an attractive, adaptable species, easily grown in a range of soils and climates, as long as it is sheltered from strong winds. This species naturally occurs in deep gullies and gorges with rich fertile well-drained soil, and can tolerate semi-shaded situations. Hibiscus splendens can be grown from seed sown in spring, or by cuttings taken in autumn.

Historical information: Charles Fraser, the colonial botanist who first found the plant in 1828 and sent seed to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh, wrote: 'This I consider King of all Australian plants I have seen. The flowers are the most delicate pink and crimson and literally cover the plant'.

Hibiscus storckii

2009-12-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus storckii | Storck's Hibiscus, Sequelu, Aute Tonga

This mysterious species was discovered in 1860 by botanists Dr. Berthold Seemann and Jacob Storck on the Fijian island of Taveuni. In Seeman's "Flora Vitiensis", published in 1865, it was described as a low-growing shrub with pink flowers. Jacob Storck, a German, settled in Fiji and kept a collection of plants from this archipelago. In 1963, an American botanist, Ross Gast, traveled to Fiji but found no trace of Hibiscus storkii, which has since been declared extinct in the wild. Fortunately, Jacob Storck distributed some of his specimens, and it is believed (by some) that this gorgeous hibiscus survived in several collections of various botanical gardens in Europe as well as Australia. There are still doubts however concerning this species authenticity —some botanists maintaining that it is simply a form of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. In 1941, Skovsted theorized that Hibiscus storckii, is actually a primitive form of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (A. Skovsted, a Danish cytologist, made a chromosome count of the species which is reported in "Chromosome Atlas of Flowering Plants" by Darlington and Wiley). To further muddy the waters, some claim that another elusive species, Hibiscus denisonii is actually the same as Hibiscus storckii. Whatever the case, the plant we label today as Hibiscus storckii has definite ornamental value.

Historical Reference: H. (Ketmia) Storckii. Nomen vernac -Sequelu. Somosomo, Island of Taviuni, growing as underwood like the allied Hibiscus Genevii, Bojer; rare. This is closely allied to Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, but I think sufficiently distinct to entitle it to the rank of species. Unfortunately my specimens are not so complete as could be wished, and so prevent a thorough comparison with its nearest ally. I have never seen it cultivated; it is a more straggling shrub than H. rosa-sinensis. The leaves are always more elliptical and less deeply cut on the margin, the segments of the calyx are also somewhat differently shaped, and I have never observed a variety of H. rosa-sinensis with such fine pink-coloured petals. I have named it in honour of my able assistant, Mr. J. Storck, who was with me when we first found it.

Flora Vitiensis: A Description of The Plants Viti or Fiji Islands
By Berthold Seemann, PH.D., Published 1865

Hibiscus striatus ssp. Lambertianus

2009-12-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus striatus ssp. lambertianus | Striped Rosemallow

Hibiscus striatus ssp. Lambertianus is a North American perennial that is found growing naturally in marshes and ditches throughout various locations in south-eastern Texas. It was formerly known as Hibiscus cubensis. The grayish-green leaves have velvety hairs, the long stems have small spines. This deciduous species dies back in winter, then re-sprouts to produce attractive pinkish-lavender flowers throughout sping and summer. Hibiscus striatus ssp. striatus is native to Cuba and parts of Central America. Hibiscus striatus is closely related to the South American Hibiscus cisplatinus.

Reference: Taxonomic Relationship of Hibiscus cubensis, H. cisplatinus and H. lambertianus: Hibiscus cubensis Rich., H. cisplatinus St.-Hil and H. lambertianus H.B.K. have been placed by Hochreutiner (1900) in section Trionum of the genus. The three are extremely similar morphologically and all have a chromosome number of n = 26 (MenzeI, unpublished; Wise, unpublished). Vouchers numbers 459, 441, 442, and 448 are filed (FSU).

H. cisplatinus and H. lambertianus from Argentina, and H. cubensis from Calhoun Co., Texas, were hybridized by the authors. The Texas population is probably an introduction, since it is the only known location of H. cubensis in North America. It normally occurs in Cuba. A total of 7 out of 42 cross-pollinations between H. cubensis and H. cisplatinus set seed. 26 crosses between H. lambertianus and H. cisplatinus gave 3 hybrid capsules and 7 cross-pollinations out of a total 29 between H. lambertianus and H. cubensis were successful.

Hybrids among these three strains were fertile and produced fertile F2 progeny when selfed. 26 pairs of chromosomes were seen in each of the three possible F1 combinations. The F2 progenies were morphologically very homogeneous. No hybrids out of a total of 355 cross-pollinations were obtained between these three plants and 9 other members of sect. Trionum.

Because of the small amount of genetic differentiation among these three plants, it is suggested that they should be regarded as subspecies. In this event, the name Hibiscus lambertianus would have priority.

WISE, D. A. 1970 - Unpublished Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee. Florida.
D. A. WISE and M. Y. MENZEL Florida State University

Hibiscus syriacus

2009-12-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite'

Hibiscus syriacus | Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althaea, 무궁화 (Mugung-hwa), 木槿 (Mu Jin)

Hibiscus syriacus has been an American garden favorite for centuries. The third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson grew the Rose of Sharon in his gardens at Monticello. In fact, Rose of Sharon was one of the most popular shrubs in America up through the 1950s. More recently, the development of newer cultivars has revived its popularity. Despite its name, Hibiscus syriacus is endemic to parts of China and Korea, not Syria. It was dubbed syriacus back at a time when it was first brought to Europe and plants were mistakenly believed to have originated in Syria. In Asia, Hibiscus syriacus was cultivated from an early time, and was eventually distributed to the Middle East via trade routes which contributed to the nomenclature confusion.

Rose-of-Sharon is equally at home in formal or informal gardens, valued as a garden accent for its profuse flower display and strong upright growth habit. It will naturally grow into a ‘V’ shape, but with a little training, Rose-of-Sharon makes an excellent single-trunked standard. Hundreds of cultivars are presently available worldwide, with single, semi-double, and double types of flowers in a dazzling array of colors. The photo above, 'Aphrodite', is a hybrid of two earlier cultivars, H. syriacus 'Sokobeni-yae' x 'William R. Smith'. One of the unusual traits of Hibiscus syriacus is the “blue” flower color (more like violet to lavender) found in some cultivars. Some have conjectured that this color trait was eventually bred into the lavender to purple Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars found today, but recent studies squelch this theory, stating that Hibiscus syriacus is too distantly related to, and sexually incompatible with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis*. Whatever the case may be, it is still somewhat of a mystery as to how this relatively recent color trait first appeared in modern Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars.

Hibiscus syriacus along with Hibiscus paramutabilis and Hibiscus sinosyriacus form a group of 3 closely related hardy Hibiscus species (from section Hibiscus) that are indigenous to China. According to one source, Hibiscus sinosyriacus appears to be genetically closer to Hibiscus syriacus than Hibiscus paramutabilis*.

*An AFLP-based assessment of the genetic diversity within Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and its place within the Hibiscus genus complex Luca Braglia et al

EARLY HISTORY: Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of Korea, and is even mentioned in the national anthem. The Korean name 무궁화 (Mugung-hwa) is derived from the word mugung, which means endlessness or immortality, and hwa which means flower. Mugung-hwa symbolizes a flower that blooms forever without fading. One of the first historical records of the Rose of Sharon in Korea is mentioned in an article from over 1,400 years ago. SanHaeKyung (산해경), an ancient Chinese geographical text, calls Korea "The Land of wisemen where the Mugung-hwa grows plentifully".

USES: Sturtevant notes 'In China, the leaves are sometimes made into tea or eaten when young'. Sturtevant’s Edible Plants of The World (1919, New York Agricultural Experiment Station). Edward Lewis Sturtevant (1842-1898) was a farmer, botanist, physician and author. His notes were edited after his death and published in 1919 by the New York Agricultural Experiment Station.

Historical Reference: SHRUBBY SYRIAN MALLOW. Hibiscus syriacus. This shrub is better known among gardeners and nurserymen by its old name of Althsea Frutex. French, ketmie; Italian, chetmia. This elegant shrub grows six or seven feet high, with many branches. The leaves are large, deeply cut into several divisions, of a cheerful green, and delicate texture. In August appear the flowers, which are mallow-shaped, large, and numerous. There are several varieties, differing in the colour of their flowers; one has white flowers, with a purple centre; another has yellow; some have several shades of purple, with white, and a black centre; some of rose colour and white, with a purple centre; and others are finely variegated with all these colours. In mild seasons, there is a succession of flowers till near the end of September.

This shrub is singularly beautiful; it is a native of Syria; is much cultivated in Cochin China; and, for hedges, in Japan. According to Parkinson, it was cultivated in England in 1529; and Martyn observes, that it was probably a new shrub at that time, as he sets it down as tender, to be kept in a large tub or pot, in the house or a warm cellar. Gerarde, in 1597, speaks of it as a stranger in England; adding, that he has sown the seeds in his garden, and is expecting their success.

   Sylvan Sketches
   or A Companion to the Park and the Shrubbery;
   by Elizabeth Kent, 1825

Hibiscus waimeae ssp. hannerae

2009-11-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hibiscus waimeae | Miniature Hawaiian White Hibiscus, Koki‘o Ke‘oke‘o, White Kauai Rosemallow

There are two white flowered Hibiscus species native to Hawaii; Hibiscus arnottianus and Hibiscus waimeae. Both species (and respective subspecies) are known locally as koki‘o ke‘oke‘o and are among the few members of the genus with fragrant flowers. The rosa-sinensis hybrids that have these species in their ancestry will sometimes retain the fragrance to one degree or another.

Hibiscus waimeae is a small, gray-barked tree up to 9m tall, found on Kaua‘i in somewhat drier forests around Waimea Canyon and nearby valleys. The upper surface of the leaves is light green while the lower surface is covered with fine hair which makes it appear grayer. The single flowers last only a day. They are white upon opening in the morning and fade to pink by the afternoon. The staminal column is pink to crimson.

There are two subspecies of Hibiscus waimeae.

ssp.hannerae has larger leaves and smaller flowers (about 5cm). This subspecies is rare and occurs only in Kaua'i's northwestern valleys of Hanakapi'ai, Limahuli, and Kalihi. Reverend John Mortimer Lydgate collected Hibiscus waimeae ssp. hannerae on Kauai in 1913, and more than 60 years passed before it was collected again, in 1978, by Perlman. Otto and Isa Degener named Lydgate’s collection as a variety of H. waimeae in honor of Mrs. Ruth Knudsen Hanner, a supporter of their work on Kauai (Degener and Degener 1962). David M. Bates, the author of the current treatment of the Hawaiian members of the family, elevated the plant to subspecies rank (Bates 1989, 1990).

ssp. waimeae has larger flowers and is found from Waimea Canyon to the western and southwestern ocean-facing valleys of Kaua'i at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

Reference: Hibiscus waimeae ssp hannerae, native to the wet windward valleys of Kaua'i, was thought to be extinct. It had been last seen in the 1920’s in Wainiha Valley, in an area that was now completely overgrown with alien plants. In 1977, Chipper Wichman and Steve Perlman found some plants of this extremely rare Hawaiian Hibiscus at the base of a waterfall in a remote valley in the Limahuli Preserve on Kaua'i. We took a specimen to Dr. Harold St. John at the bishop Museum and verified it’s identity. We were all estatic to find that this wonderful miniature white Hibiscus, with it’s dark pink staminal column and light fragrance, still exixts in Hawaii.

   Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the Gardener
   By Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst
   Published by Bess Press, 2005

Abutilon 'Marianne'

2009-11-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Abutilon 'Marianne' | Flowering Maple, Chinese Lantern

The genus Abutilon has about 200 species: mostly in tropics and subtropics. The most common Flowering Maples (hybrids known as Abutilon hybridum) are derived from crosses between several South American species. 'Marianne' is an improved, more diminutive megapotanicum type with bicolored yellow and red flowers.

Abutilon 'Nabob'

2009-11-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Abutilon 'Nabob' | Red Flowering Maple, Giant Red Chinese Lantern

This floriferous abutilon is the result of hybridizing two Brazilian species of Abutilon (A. darwinii and A. striatum). This is a fast growing upright plant up to 2-3m (8-10 ft), but can be keep smaller by pruning. It has large very dark green foliage and produces 7.5cm (3 in) wide bell shaped flowers that are a deep crimson color. As with other Abutilon, beware of pest problems, such as white fly, and trim out lanky stems and tip back plants in the spring to keep manageable. This is a good plant for attracting hummingbirds. Abutilon 'Nabob' received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Abutilon grandifolium

2009-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

Abutilon grandifolium | Golden Flowered Hairy Abutilon, Hairy Indian Mallow, Hairy Abutilon, Tall Abutilon

Sometimes referred to as Abutilon mollissimum, Hairy Indian Mallow is a large shrub about 2m high with broad, 1-6 cm leave, and bright yellow to orange flowers. Although native to South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina), this species has naturalized in both eastern and Western Australia (south-eastern Queensland, southern New South Wales and in south-western Western Australia near Perth). It has also naturalized on Norfolk Island and on some Pacific islands including Niue, French Polynesia and Hawaii. Additional common names are Ma‘o (Hawaiian) and Punehu (Tuhuata - Tuhuata Island).

Historical Reference: Abutilon A Grandes Feuilles. —Abutilon grandifolium —Sida grandifolia. Feuilles cordiformes-arrondies, ou cordiformes-ovales, acuminées, doublement cre'nele'es , veloutées, blanchâtres en dessous. Petit arbre haut d'une dixaiue de pieds ou plus. Pétiole aussi long que la lame. Sépales ovales, cotonneux. Cette espèce, remarquable par son heau feuillage et 1rs longs poils dont ses rameaux sont Jiérissc's, est indigène au Pe'rou. On la cultive en serre temperee, où elle fleurit pendant une grande partie de l'anne'e.

Translation: Big-leaf Velvetleaf —Abutilon grandifolium —Sida grandifolia. Leaves rounded-cordate or cordate-oval, acuminate, doubly crenate, velvety, whitish underneath. A small tree up to 10 feet or more. Leafstalk as long as the blade. Sepals oval, woolly. This species is remarkable for its foliage and its long hairs which its branches are covered, is native to Peru. It is cultivated in temperate greenhouses where it thrives for much of the year.

   Histoire naturelle des végétaux: Phanérogames
   By Édouard Spach, Georges-Louis Leclerc Buffon
   Published by Librairie encyclopédique de Roret, 1834

Abutilon palmeri

2009-11-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Abutilon palmeri | Palmer's Abutilon, Palmer’s Indian Mallow, Superstition Mallow

Abutilon palmeri is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, found in arid climates growing on rocky, dry slopes. This is not your average Abutilon ―the plant is remarkable for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves with a blue-gray cast. Flowers abundantly spring through summer, producing a dazzling display of bright golden-orange colored flowers. Abutilon palmeri tolerates reflected heat, and some supplemental summer watering in well drained soil, but dislikes cold soggy soil during winter. Named after Dr. Edward Palmer, an American naturalist who made extensive collections of plants from California & Baja California. He collected mainly along the coast and nearby islands.

Historical Reference: Abutilon palmeri, a form of this species growing very luxuriantly on a portion of Santa Margarita Island where all the vegetation was rank. Leaves very long, on petioles very much longer than the pedicels: earliest flowers solitary in the axils, the lower jointed above the middle, the upper near the base. The axillary buds that are usually dormant in this species are, in these specimens, developed into long side branches, giving a very different appearance to the inflorescence. Seeds as in type specimens with which they were compared, appear under the lens to be roughened with white curved bristles arising from reddish papillae.

Volume 2 of Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences
The Academy, 1890

Abutilon sachetianum

2009-11-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Abutilon sachetianum

Abutilon sachetianum is a shrub or small tree up to 8m tall. It is only found in the Marquesas (French Polynesia) and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is found in small populations on the islands of Eiao, Hatutaa, Hiva Oa, Mohotani and Nuku Hiva, however subpopulations on Eiao and Hatutaa are in a notably critical state.

The flowers are described by collectors as “pendent” and vary in color from orange to yellow. The large oval leaves are typically 9-15cm across and 10-17cm long.

Historical Reference: The Abutilon sachetianum Group
Three hitherto undescribed species of Abutilon in southeastern Polynesia and one in Samoa seem to form a closely related group, very distinct from anything else known from the Pacific. One of them, here christened Abutilon sachetianum, is represented by excellent material and is very fully described. It is very rare but still exists on at least two of the Marquesas Islands, Hivaoa and Mohotani. Two of the others were collected on the Mangarevan Expedition in 1934, and were even then almost extinct. They are very likely extinct now, but I am describing them, even from inadequate material, with the hope that their publication may stimulate efforts to relocate them, and to bring about their protection, as well as to place on record our knowledge of them. The Samoan species, A. whistleri, was found by Christophersen in 1931 but lay undescribed until Art Whistler recently discovered its flowers.

It is not possible to characterize the group adequately since two of the species are too poorly known. Calyces in the group are similar, large, hemispherical or broadly campanulate with ovate or triangular lobes, and with pedicels jointed near the summit. Abutilon sachetianum and A. mangarevicum have subulate processes or spines on the fruit. The fruit of A. whistleri is muticous and densely hirsute. The fruit of A. pitcairnense is unknown. Their general similarity in appearance, with their flowers on axillary racemes or branchlets, as well as their geographical occurrence, seem close enough to justify tentatively associating them.

   Polynesian Plant Studies 6- 18
   F. Raymond Fosberg, 1981
   9. Abutilon in Southeastern Polynesia and Samoa

Abutilon vitifolium album

2009-11-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

Abutilon vitifolium album | Vine-leaved Abutilon, Indian Mallow

Beautiful white flowers borne in profusion grace this tall, fast-growing shrub from Chile. Abutilon vitifolium album is a vigorous shrub growing to about 3.5cm tall. It bears white flowers (sometimes pink-tinged when young) in spring, whereas the species Abutilon vitifolium usually has lavender flowers. In warmer climates, this plant prefers dry shade, so I grow it under the protective canopy of a large tree.

Warning: the stems are covered with tiny bristly fibers that can be a source of irritation to skin and eyes. Handle with care, especially while pruning. Avoid pruning in windy weather ―the fibers are easily blown.

Historical Reference:June 30, 1957. A shrub which has given me great delight over at least four weeks of flowering is Abutilon vitifolium, but before praising it let me list its drawbacks, always the more prudent method. First, it is not a plant for harsh climates. Given a sheltered angle between walls or hedges, it will survive a reasonable winter in the southern and, of course, the southwestern counties, but would not like being planted in the open in some bleak spot of the Midlands or East Anglia. Second, it is not very long-lived, and may die abruptly, leaving a painful blank. Third ―no, there seems no third objection to set against it, so now I can come on to the praise.

As its adjectival name suggests, it has a vine-like leaf, of a pale greenish-grey, thickly clothed in May and June with five-petalled flowers either of pale lavender, the colour of Parma violets, or a pure white with golden anthers. You must decide for yourselves, which you prefer, the mauve or the white. Having a predilection for white flowers I gave my heart to the white, a ghostly apparition seen by moonlight. The flowers are rather like a single hollyhock, which is comprehensible since the abutilon belongs to the malvaceae or mallows, but it also suggests a resemblance to the tall Japanese anemone, if you can imagine a Japanese anemone deciding to turn itself into a shrub.

It will grow 10ft. high or more, quite quickly; and although it has this unfortunate habit of suddenly dying, it can easily be kept going by its own seeds which it produces in the usual squandering quantities Nature thinks necessary. A few seeds sown in a pot should supply enough young plants to replace their grandmothers. Seeds may come true, but one has to take the chance of getting the mauve or the white form, always rather an exciting experiment to see what one is going to get.

Abutilon vitifolium comes from Chile and was first introduced into Ireland in 1836, so it has been quite a long time in our gardens. A lovely cool-looking shrub for the spring months or early summer, I would recommend it every time. I think it ought to be well placed, against a dark background if possible, say a dark hedge to show up the pallor of the silvery leaf and the flower. A great deal depends on the right placing of any plant, as I always try to emphasize in all these articles.·

Even More of Your Garden (In Your Garden)
by V. Sackville-West

(Editor's Note: From 1946, the writer Vita Sackville-West wrote a gardening column for The Observer. These articles were later compiled to form a series of books, showing Vita's extensive gardening knowledge, her intense passion for the subject and her lively literary flair.)

Abutilon × suntense

2009-11-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Abutilon × suntense | Flowering Maple

Abutilon × suntense is a large deciduous shrub to 4m tall with felted maple-shaped leaves. During the bloom season it produces a profusion of lavender to mauve flowers. Abutilon x suntense is a hybrid —a cross between Abutilon ochsenii and Abutilon vitifolium. The photo at left is of Abutilon × suntense 'Violetta'.

Several cultivars of Abutilon x suntense are available, flower colors ranging from bluish-mauve to lavender, to pinkish and white. Abutilon vitifolium and it's various hybrid forms are magnificent shrubs for warm, sheltered locations, growing vigorously in well-drained soil, flowering freely in late spring and early summer. Pruning is not strictly necessary, but plants can be shaped by cutting out any exhausted or surplus growth immediately after flowering. Like its parent Abutilon vitifolium, these hybrids may not necessarily be long-lived plants, sometimes described as prone to 'suddenly dying'. I remember seeing a beautiful flowering Abutilon × suntense 'Violetta' in a nursery garden one spring day a few years back. When I returned in summer, I asked why the plant was no longer in the garden. The Nursery owner jokingly said "it bloomed itself to death". That may not be far from the truth.

Historical Information: The Abutilon x suntense cross was announced at the 1969 Chelsea Flower Show when Geoffrey Gorer, of Sunte House in Haywards Heath, exhibited a plant he raised from seed —a beautiful mauve-flowered abutilon. It was a suspected cross between two abutilon species, both from Chile: Abutilon vitifolium, was introduced to Britain in 1836. It is a tall shrub with fleecy foliage and mallow-like flowers that are typically lavender but also white (var. album ). The other suspected parent was Abutilon ochsenii, with darker green leaves and violet flowers, a rarity that had arrived from South America a decade earlier. Later, nurserymen deliberately crossed these same two Chilean species, producing something very like Gorer’s original specimen, confirming that it was a hybrid. In 1971, this hybrid was formally published in the RHS journal as Abutilon x suntense, in honor of Sunte House where it first appeared.

Alcea Rosea

2009-11-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Alcea Rosea | Hollyhock, Malva Rosa, Rose trémière

Also known as Althaea rosea, the Hollyhock is a biennial that originated in Asia Minor. It is one of the oldest plants in cultivation, having been found in Chinese gardens by the earliest European visitors. These short-lived plants produce flowers in a wide range of colors. Flowers can be single or double. Hollyhocks can be encouraged to behave more like a perennial by deadheading. Prune severely in late summer, and allow new basal foliage to take over.

Historical Reference: The hollyhock is a native of China, botanically described as a biennial. It was evidently a cultivated plant in China when first brought to the attention of European visitors, since it is said to have been "of many colors and forms." Most likely, its colors in the natural state were rose-pink tending to red and white. The real reds and the present deep maroon shades would naturally be obtained rather easily by selection. The yellow color is, in the opinion of some, a much later acquired one, and the least likely to come true from seed.

   The standard cyclopedia of horticulture
   By Liberty Hyde Bailey
   Published by The Macmillan Company, 1915

Alcea rosea “Fiesta Time”

2009-11-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

Alcea 'Fiesta Time' | Dwarf Hollyhock

'Fiesta Time' is a gorgeous 'double-flowered' Hollyhock with fringed blooms. This dwarf cultivar grows to about 1m high. It flowers quickly from seed, often in its first year if planted early in the season. This hardy perennial produces blooms on stout stems from mid to late summer. Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and containers.

Historical Reference: The Hollyhock may be planted so as to ornament the bounds of gardens, by forming clumps at the angles and at irregular distances near the fence, so that they do not form a straight line, for such an arrangement would only make the limits of the ground more conspicuous. For small gardens, or where the situation is much exposed to the winds, the dwarf Hollyhock is the most desirable; and when some of these are planted in front of the taller kind, it adds considerably to the beauty of the group.

   Flora Historica: With Observations on Planting, to Secure a Regular Succession of Flowers
   By Henry Phillips
   Published by E. Lloyd & son, 1829

Alyogyne cuneiformis

2009-11-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne cuneiformis | Coastal Hibiscus, White Alyogyne

The Coastal Hibiscus (not to be confused with Talipariti tileaceum) is a medium sized shrub from the coastal areas of Western Australia (Carnarvon region). The tubular flowers are 6cm long, and white with a dark red center. Leaves are thick and glabrous, composed of 3 spoon-shaped lobes. In its natural range Alyogyne cuneiformis can be found in red sandy soils, limestone outcrops, and coastal plains and dunes.

The flower is similar in size and shape to those of Alyogyne hakeifolia (funnel-shaped). In California, this species seems to prefer a shadier/ moister location as compared to the other Alyogyne species.

Historical Reference:Fugosia Cuneiformis. Cuneate-leaved Fugosia. A rare and little-known West Australian species of Fugosia, a genus, as observed by Bentham and Hooker fil., very nearly allied on the one hand to Hibiscus, on the other to Gossypium; differing from the former chiefly in the style, from the latter in the bracteoles. The present species seems to have been discovered in Dirk Hartog's Island by Allan Cunningham, who gave it a manuscript name implying that it had a goat-like odour. Milne, during the voyage of Captain Denham in H.M.S. Herald, found it in the same island, and remarks that it is a seashore plant (as indeed might be expected from its very thick and fleshy leaves), and it is from seeds sent by him in 1856 that our present plants were raised, and which flowered in August of 1863. It is, however, not now for the first time cultivated at Kew, for we have had for very many years in our Herbarium a specimen derived from these Gardens; no doubt introduced by the indefatigable Allan Cunningham. Our Herbarium also contains a specimen from a small island in Sharks' Bay, West Australia, from G. Sandford, Esq.

Description: A much branching and very woody shrub, with copious oblanceolate or spathulate, rather than cuneiform leaves, thick and fleshy, readily breaking off in the dry state. Flowers large, axillary, solitary; the peduncles clavate; the calyx leafy, downy; the petals broadly obovate, pure white, with a deep blood-coloured spot at the base. Anthers also blood-coloured, beautifully arranged in whorls, as in the Hibiscus Huegelii (given in our last number, Tab. 5406); and the style and stigmas, erect and connivent, are the same as in H. Huegelii, from which this seems hardly generically distinct.

   Curtis's botanical magazine
   By William Jackson Hooker, David Prain, Otto Stapf, Royal Horticultural Society
   Published by Reeve Brothers, 1863

Alyogyne hakeifolia

2009-11-08T18:05:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne hakeifolia | Red-centered Hibiscus, Desert Rose

Alyogyne is an Australian genus of xerophytic shrubs, distantly related to, and formerly classified in the genus Hibiscus. The genus is distinguished from Hibiscus by the undivided style. There are 4 recognized species, cuneiformis, hakeifolia, huegelii and pinoniana. Two of these species, Alyogyne huegelii, and Alyogyne hakeifolia are cultivated as garden shrubs.

The typical form of the hakeifolia species has lavender flowers with a dark red-eye, but there are also forms with white, yellow, or pink flowers. Alyogyne hakeifolia flowers are generally less open in form (tulip-shaped), and foliage is more deeply and simply lobed than that of Alyogyne huegelii. The individual lobes of the leaves are so narrow as to make the foliage appear 'needle-like'. These are durable shrubs for the water-conserving garden, and suited to a warm, dry climate. It is less adaptable than Alyogyne huegelii in climates with wet summers, and intolerant of bad drainage. Alyogyne hakeifolia will tolerate some mild frost.

Alyogyne hakeifolia 'Amethystine'

2009-11-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne hakeifolia 'Amethystine' | Red-centered Hibiscus, Desert Rose

Alyogyne is an Australian genus of mostly xerophytic shrubs, distantly related to, and formerly classified in the genus Hibiscus. The genus is distinguished from Hibiscus by the undivided style. There are 4 recognized species: cuneiformis, hakeifolia, huegelii and pinoniana. Two of these species, Alyogyne huegelii, and Alyogyne hakeifolia are cultivated as garden shrubs.

'Amethystine' is a dark purple flowered hakeifolia type ―the result of a cross with Alyogyne 'Mood Indigo'. Alyogyne hakeifolia flowers are generally less open in form (tulip-shaped), and foliage is more deeply and simply lobed than that of Alyogyne huegelii. The individual lobes of the leaves are so narrow as to make the foliage appear 'needle-like'. These are durable shrubs for the water-conserving garden, and suited to a warm, dry climate, but less adaptable than Alyogyne huegelii in climates with wet summers, and is intolerant of bad drainage.

Alyogyne hakeifolia 'Melissa Anne'

2009-11-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne hakeifolia 'Melissa Anne' | Red-centered Hibiscus, Desert Rose

Alyogyne hakeifolia is a small to medium shrub with narrow, divided leaves. The name alludes to the similarity of the 'needle-like' foliage to that of certain Hakea species. The tubular flowers are 5 to 6cm, lavender, pink or yellow with a dark red central spot. Flowering occurs in the warmer months, and mature plants can bloom profusely. 'Melissa Anne' has large, pink tulip-shaped flowers, and is a great addition to the water-conscious garden.

Historical Reference: A beautiful new Hibiscus, obtained from seeds sent home from Swan River by Sir James Stirling, and raised with his usual skill and success by Mr. Robert Mangles, to which gentleman I am indebted for a wild specimen from Swan River. The latter is so little like the garden plant that, under other circumstances, I should have hesitated to consider them the same, for the leaves are filiform instead of being flat and broad as in the figure, while the involucellum, which can hardly be said to exist at all in the garden plant, consists of six distinct subulate teeth in the spontaneous specimen. In some respects this approaches the Hibiscus hakeæfolius of Giordano, but it appears to belong to a different section of the genus. It will doubtless be hardy in the summer, and will probably succeed better if planted in the open ground; but it will have to be protected in the winter.

Edward's Botanical Register
Published 1837

Alyogyne huegelii

2009-11-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne huegelii | Blue Hibiscus, Lilac Hibiscus

Alyogyne huegelii is a variable species. Florabase (WA) lists 5 varietal forms but there may be more. This is a fast-growing shrub, typically reaching 1m or more in height. Often found in well-drained soils throughout South Australia and Western Australia. This photo is of a pink flowered huegelii type ―I do not know if it is a pure huegelli or if there is actually another species in its ancestry. There are a numer of named cultivars available in Australia and California ―some of these are listed in entries below. The huegelli species was named in honor of Baron Karl Alexander von Hügel, a 19th century Austrian botanist.

Historical Reference: "The beds of the brooks which form the Swan River are dry and it is only in low-lying spots that there is still some stagnant water. Here I found several very fine plants including a magnificent Hibiscus with large blue flowers."

   New Holland journal: November 1833-October 1834
   By Karl Alexander Hügel, Dymphna Clark,
   State Library of New South Wales

Alyogyne huegelii 'Mood Indigo'

2009-11-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne huegelii 'Mood Indigo' | Blue Hibiscus, Lilac Hibiscus, Purple Hibiscus

Alyogyne are found in South and Western Australia. Along with the naturally occuring species, there are a number of commercial selections available in Australia, some are also available in California. Alyogyne are openly branched shrubs, varying in height from 1.5 to 3.5m. These are beautiful yet durable shrubs for Mediterranean climate gardens.

'Mood Indigo' has deeply lobed leaves and deep violet-blue flowers, perhaps the darkest purple color to be found on any of the malvaceae. Alyogyne require well drained soil and can survive with moderate water once established. Hardy to around 6.5°C (20° F), Alyogyne are sensitive to phosphorus fertilzer, poor drainage and are short lived in subtropical wet summer areas.

Historical Reference: It is impossible to compare this very handsome Hibiscus with our figure of Hibiscus grossulariæfolius (Bot.Mag.t.4329) without considering it, save in the colour of the flowers, specifically the same, but varying in the colour of the flower. So again the Hibiscus Wrayæ of Dr. Lindley (Bot. Reg.1840,t.69) is quite identical, even in the colour of its flowers, with Hibiscus grossulariæfolius. Both these and several other supposed species, as may be seen by the above list of synonyms, Mr. Bentham has, I do not doubt correctly, referred to Endlicher's H. Huegelii. But among the five varieties he has enumerated the present does not seem to be included, perhaps because, depending on colour, the dried specimens do not exhibit the peculiar differences: in the figures above quoted the petals are of an almost uniform dull purplish-blue colour, here deep rose, paler below, and each petal with a black-blood-coloured spot on the claw. All the varieties inhabit the Swan River settlement and the south-west coast of Australia. We owe the possession of our plant (which flowered in August, 1853) to Mr. Thomson, of Ipswich.

   Curtis's botanical magazine, Volume 89
   Authors: Sir William Jackson Hooker, Royal Horticultural Society (Great Britain).
   Published by Reeve Brothers, 1863

Alyogyne huegelii 'White Swan'

2009-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Alyogyne huegelii 'White Swan' | White Swan Hibiscus

Alyogyne are found in South and Western Australia. Along with the naturally occuring species, there are a number of cultivars available in Australia and California. 'White Swan' is a beautiful white flowered form, tinged lilac under cool conditions. It is a UC Santa Cruz introduction. Plants benefit from occasional pruning for shape. Once established, little water is needed, but they can use a little shade from the hot sun.

Anisodontea julii

2009-11-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Anisodontea julii | Mountain Mallow, African Mallow, Bergroos

There are over 20 species of Anisodontea found in South Africa and adjoining countries. Anisodontea julii is found naturally on the slopes of the Drakensberg mountains between 1200 and 2300m. It occurs in evergreen scrub, often growing among boulders and rocks, where it finds protection from fire and the frosts. Although Anisodontea julii comes from a summer rainfall region, it grows equally well in winter rainfall regions. Valued for its quick growth, this is a tall, graceful shrub has large pink flowers throughout the summer. The leaves have 3-7 lobes and are about 75 mm in length, on long stalks. One caveat: If the plant is happy, roots may produce suckers, so beware when planting out.

Reference: In cultivaton Anisodontea grows bigger and better that it does in the wild, as though it is rewarding the gardener for releasing it from the bondage of fire and competition with taller plants. It grows to its full height within a single season, thickening out thereafter. Flowering takes place in the first summer, and seed shed from the parent plant produces a thriving colony in the second year. So replacements are always ready when the original plant dies after 5 years or so.

Down to Earth: Gardening with Indigenous Shrubs
David Johnson, Sally Johnson, Geoff Nichols Struik, 2002

Bakeridesia integerrima

2009-11-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Bakeridesia integerrima | Canary Tree, Hardy Yellow Abutilon

The Canary tree is a treelike shrub up to 4.5m (to 15 feet) endemic to Mexico, Central America extending to Venezuela. It bears 4cm yellow flowers throughout most of the year. Bakeridesia integerrima is the accepted taxon but this plant is also (perhaps more commonly) known as Abutilon chittendenii. There are approximately 31 species in the genus Bakeridesia.

Reference: Abutilon chittendenii. Seed was originally collected in the dry region of Olanchito, Honduras, on February 14, 1927, by Samuel J. Record & Henry Kuylen, then brought to the U.S.

   Plantas descritas originalmente de Honduras y sus nomenclaturas equivalentes actuales
   by Cyril H. Nelson Sutherland
   Ceiba, 2001. Volumen 42(1):1-71

Bakeridesia vulcanicola

2009-11-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Bakeridesia vulcanicola | Malvapola

Bakeridesia was named in honor of Edmund G. Baker, the author of Abutilon Galeottii. It was originally described as a monotypic genus by Hochreutiner in 1913, who considered Bakeridesia to be allied to Abutilon, distinguishing it from Abutilon by the presence of dorsal wings on the mericarps.

The subgenus Bakeridesia is confined to the New World tropics of the Northern Hemisphere. Its range extends from near the Tropic of Cancer on the eastern coast of Mexico and from coastal Jalisco in western Mexico southward through Guatemala, EI Salvador, and Honduras to northwestern Nicaragua. Through its range this subgenus is distributed in a series of isolated localized populations. It is found predominantly at low elevations, i.e. from near sea level to about 4,500 feet, and usually within one of three major xerophytic vegetation formations: tropical evergreen forest, tropical deciduous forest, or thorn forest. Some populations, however, have been collected in ecotones between these and other formations, savanna, and occasionally populations have been reported from quite different formations, e.g. Bakeridesia vulcanicola from pine-liquidambar forests of Honduras (at an elevation apparently exceeding 4,500 feet). Nevertheless, the subgenus appears adapted basically to seasonally dry scrub formations.

At various times some species of Bakeridesia have been classified as either Abutilon or Robinsonella. In 1969 Bates pointed out that the boundary between Bakeridesia and Abutilon was not well defined and suggested that either the two genera ought to be merged or other criteria should be sought to distinguish them. Cytological evidence presented by Bates and Blanchard (1970) supported the second approach and served as the impetus for the most recent revision of Bakeridesia.

Bakeridesia vulcanicola (Abutilon vulcanicola), Commonly called "Malvapola" in Honduras is a shrub or small tree 3-8m tall, at first densely pubescent with a mixture of small hairs overlain by long-stalked and long-armed reddish or yellowish hairs. Leaf blades are broadly ovate to oblong-ovate, unlobed or rarely slightly 3-lobed, to 22cm, long. In its natural range, it flowers January through March. Flowers are borne near the ends of the branches, solitary or in pairs in the axils of usually much reduced leaves. Petals yellow-orange to orange, to 55 mm. long.

Distribution: Found sporadically at elevations between 3000 and 6000 feet from Santa Rosa in southern Guatemala through San Vincente, San Salvador, and Santa Ana in El Salvador to El Paraiso in south-central Honduras. Has also recently been found in Costa Rica.

Bakeridesia vulcanicola is large and coarse in its characteristics. Through its range B. vulcanicola exhibits little morphological variation. The principal difference may be found in the slightly longer and perhaps more slender pedicles of the Honduran collections. Bakeridesia vulcanicola is morphologically intermediate between Bakeridesia Nelsonii and Bakeridesia notolophiurn. For the present, however, B. vulcanicola can be distinguished from B. nelsonii by its lack of digitiform appendages or strongly developed compound-stellate hairs on the calyx and by its shorter flowering pedicels. Taxonomically speaking, the relationship of B. nelsonii to B. vulcanicola is not clear --it may be that B. nelsonii and B. vulcanicola are only variants within a single species.

The majority of the information from this article came from:
A revision of Bakeridesia Hochreutiner subgenus Bakeridesia, Bates, D. M. 1973

Callirhoe alcaeoides

2009-10-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Callirhoe alcaeoides | Light Poppy Mallow, Pale Poppy Mallow, Pink Poppy Mallow, Pink Wine Cup, Plains Poppy Mallow, White Flowered Poppy Mallow

Callirhoe alcaeoides is a somewhat sprawling North American perennial, noted for its extremely long mid-spring to fall bloom of cup-shaped, upward-facing, poppy-like flowers (.5m wide). Flower color can be white, light pink or pale lilac, but never the darker shades of rose-wine to purple which characterize the similar Callirhoe involucrata. The natural range of Callirhoe alcaeoides spans from Illinois to Nebraska south to Texas and Alabama, including parts of the central and southern Great Plains. It typically grows as a spreading mound forming an attractive ground cover, suitable for dry, sunny locations, rock gardens, naturalized areas or meadows.

Dombeya rotundifolia

2009-09-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dombeya rotundifolia:
An excellent choice for dry areas.

Dombeya rotundifolia | Wild Pear, Drolpeer (Afrikaans); iNhliziyonkhulu (Zulu)

Dombeya rotundifolia is a small, fast-growing, deciduous tree up to 10m tall. This single-stemmed tree is found naturally in grassland, on rocky slopes, and in woodland and riverine forests, where it is often found growing on termite mounds. In East Africa, it is usually found above 1000m altitude, but in southern Africa it occurs as low as sea level.

The common English name ‘Wild Pear’ alludes to its resemblance to the true pear (Pyrus communis). Wild Pear bears masses of small white or cream colored blooms (sometimes light pink) which appear before the leaves in early spring. The thick leaves are rough, almost parchment-like, and rounded, hence the species name rotundifolia. The rough bark becomes cork-like on mature trees, and forms a protective, fire resistant layer around the trunk, making this an excellent choice for dryer areas. The Wild Pear has many traditional uses: Strong rope fiber is made from the bark, and the plant is used medicinally for various purposes. It is a useful tree on farms and nature reserves since game and stock browse from it. The wood is termite resistant and often used as fence posts, mine props or yokes. Bee farmers also appreciate the tree for the large amounts of nectar and pollen which it produces. The spectacular show of scented flowers attracts both bees and butterflies. The name Dombeya was given in honor of Joseph Dombey (1742-1793), a French botanist who worked in Peru and Chilé.

Historical Reference: September 9th—11th, 1905. Bulawayo, south Rhodesia. The most promising spot near the Matabili Capital was, we were told, the Waterworks situated a few miles to the westward, at an altitude of perhaps 4600 ft. Here we came across two shrubs in full flower, which proved very attractive to insects: one with white sweet-scented flowers, Dombeya rotundifolia, was frequented by Acraea doubledayi, though these butterflies seemed shy of actually settling upon the flowers. Altogether we took seven specimens, three of them about the Dombeya. Another entomologist had discovered the attractive powers of the Dombeya before we did —the yellowish-grey, yellow-marked Ohamaeleon dilepis; it was surprising that so large an animal could be so inconspicuous.

   Butterfly hunting in many lands
   George Blundell Longstaff, Fritz Müller
   Published by Longmans, Green and co., 1912

Gossypium sturtianum

2009-08-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Gossypium sturtianum | Sturt's Desert Rose

The genus Gossypium is noteworthy for several species that produce the cotton of commerce. Australia has about 10 species of Gossypium. Gossypium sturtianum is the floral emblem of Australia's Northern Territory and is widely distributed throughout the interior. Flowers are pink with a dark red center. There are two recognized varieties of Gossypium sturtianum; var. sturtianum and var. nandewarense. A characteristic feature of most Gossypium is the presence of small, dark glands observable on most parts of the plant. These glands contain the substance gossypol which is toxic to non-ruminant animals. This species adapts well to cultivation, particularly in hot, dry climates. Gossypium sturtianum is able to withstand light frosts.

Historical Reference: In 1844, Captain Charles Sturt conducted an unprecedentedly bold expedition to the very centre of Australia, and substituted an interior desert for Oxley's inland sea, but, 15 years afterwards, J. McDouall Stuart also passed through the centre of the continent, and in turn dispelled Sturt's notion of a great central desert. A considerable collection of plants was made by Sturt, amounting to about 100 species, some of which were described by Brown in an Appendix to Sturt's narrative of the expedition. Two of the handsomest Australian flowers, Sturt's Desert Pea (Clianthus dampieri) and Sturt's Desert Rose (Gossypium sturtianum) bear his name. His great success in his expeditions procured him the title of "The father of Australian discovery."

   Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales
   By Linnean Society of New South Wales
   Published by Linnean Society of New South Wales., 1901

Gossypium thurberi

2009-08-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Gossypium thurberi | Desert cotton, Wild Cotton, Thurber's Cotton, Algodoncillo

Though closely related, Desert Cotton and cultivated cotton do not look alike. Cultivated cotton has large, yellow flowers, while Desert Cotton has smaller white ones. The major difference is found in the seeds. Those of cultivated cotton are enveloped in cotton fiber, while Desert Cotton seeds have only few scraggly hairs. Desert Cotton lives for several years and can become a woody plant.

Sometimes, instead of seeds, the small woody capsules contain the grubs of a certain cotton boll weevil. Although this particular weevil generally feeds only on wild cottons, it sometimes spreads to cultivated plants, and at one time the U. S. Department of Agriculture tried to eradicate desert cotton wherever it grew near cotton fields.

The cup-shaped flowers appear in the summer. Often there is a faint crimson spot at the base of each petal. Desert cotton grows on canyon slopes at the upper margin of the desert and the lower margin of oak woodland from southern Arizona into northern Mexico.

Historical Reference: The Thurberia, or so-called wild cotton (Thurberia thespesioides), is a malvaceous plant belonging in the same family as the cotton. It is a perennial shrub with a light grayish bark and attains a height of upwards of ten or more feet in older plants and a trunk of four or more inches in diameter. The leaves are rather small and palmate. The flowers are white and conspicuous and are borne terminally. These give space to the small bolls about one-half inch long which are generally divided into three capsules though four divisions are sometimes noted. Each capsule normally contains four small blackish seeds resembling in shape and color somewhat those of the common morning-glory. As the bolls ripen they burst, allowing the seeds to be scattered. These bolls, on casual observation, seem practically devoid of any lint, though there appears in the boll a small amount which can be seen with a glass.

The plant ordinarily blooms during the humid mid-summer raius, thus with the ripening and bursting of the bolls the seeds are picked up and deposited anywhere along the line of flow, being carried long or short distances according to the extent of the flood. As often happens in seasons of heavy rainfall, seeds are carried far down the wash, in fact some are carried down so far that with the following dry season, either by insufficient moisture to sustain them, or to the low relative humidity, they lead a precarious existence and finally perish.

   Bulletin - State of California, Department of Agriculture, California.
   State Commission of Horticulture
   Published by Dept. of Agriculture, 1921

Gossypium tomentosum

2009-08-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Gossypium tomentosum | Hawaiian cotton, Ma'o, Hulu-hulu

Gossypium tomentosum (previously known as Gossypium sanwicense) is the only member of the cotton genus endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago. It forms a shrub up to 1.5m tall and wide, and is found growing on the dry and rocky coastal areas of the Islands, from sea level to 120m. The leaves have 3 or 5 lobes and are covered with silky white hairs (hence the name tomentosum), giving the plant a silvery, gray-green appearance. Flowers are bright yellow, up to 7cm across, usually borne singly. Gossypium tomentosum’s status in the wild is considered vulnerable.

Genetic studies indicate that Hawaiian cotton is closely related to the American species of Gossypium used for commercial cotton production. Its ancestor may have come to the islands centuries ago as a seed in the wind, in the droppings of a bird, or lodged in floating debris. Gossypium tomentosum’s short, reddish brown seed hairs are unsuitable for spinning or twisting into thread, so it has never been used for producing cotton. Gossypium tomentosum is known by two Hawaiian names: Ma'o (“yellow-green”) and Hulu Hulu (hairy-hairy). It was used by the ancient Hawaiians as a source of green-yellow kapa dye.

Historical Reference: Two native species of cotton may here be mentioned as belonging to the fiber plants, though the natives, unacquainted with spinning and weaving, made no use of them. Again, the very short fiber failed, perhaps, to attract their attention: Gossypium tomentosum, a spreading shrub 4 to 6 feet high, hoary, with soft, white tomentum, three to four seed in each valve, which are enveloped in a finely adhering tawny wool, fibers of which measure 0.3 to 0.6 inch in length. Gossypium drynarioides (Kokia drynarioides), a small tree 12 to 16 feet high, with red flowers and each cell of the capsule with one seed covered with short, brownish wool. This plant is rare on the islands and doomed to extinction unless cultivated, since the capsules are imperfectly dehiscent and the seed are held and are eaten by worms, thus preventing reproduction. Again, cattle are extremely fond of the foliage and fruit and quickly destroy them in pastures.

   Bulletin, United States Office of Experiment Stations, Issues 94-99
   United States Office of Experiment Stations
   Publisher G.P.O., 1901

Howittia trilocularis

2009-07-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Howittia trilocularis | Blue Howittia

Howittia is a monotypic genus that is closely related to another monotypic Australian genus, Lagunaria (listed below). Howittia trilocularis is a large shrub that can reach 3m in height. The 25mm flowers range in color from lavender to mauve, and are borne in late spring and summer. The natural distribution of Howittia trilocularis is coastal New South Wales, coastal eastern Victoria and a small region of western Victoria, extending into the south eastern part of South Australia, where it can be found in wet forests. Howittia trilocularis prefers a moist, well-drained soil in a semi-shaded location. It will also grow in full sun but roots should be kept cool by mulching the root zone. It tolerates some frost but grows better (and looks better) in a frost free area. I will post a photo as soon as one of my plants blooms.

Historical Information: Howittia was named after Dr Godfrey Howitt (fl. 1855), a Melbourne physician interested in botany. Botanist Ferdinand von Mueller first formally described the species in 1855, from a specimen which was found growing on "bushy declivities around Lake King".

Historical Reference: Howittia trilocularis —A flexile shrub, grows twenty feet high; belongs to the Malvaceae; the flowers are of a purple colour; very pretty, and merits a place in every shrubbery.

   The Floricultural Cabinet, and Florists Magazine
   by Joseph Harrison
   Publisher Whitaker & Co., 1856

Kosteletzkya virginica

2009-06-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Kosteletzkya virginica | Seashore Mallow, Sweat Weed, Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow

The Seashore Mallow is a 1-3m tall perennial with several stems arising from the crown. It is native to fresh or salty marshes near the coast, from southern Delaware to eastern Texas. Although it can be found in both fresh or salty tidal marshes, Kosteletzkya virginica does not flourish as well in fresh water. The flowers of the Seashore Mallow are more numerous but smaller than those of other Hibiscus (to 5cm). The flowers are usually pink, but may also be lavender or white, flowering from July to October. When grown in full sun and constantly moist soil, the plant flowers profusely. The Seashore Mallow is a halophyte (a plant that thrives in saline soil), and often grows in areas where other crops can’t. Give Seashore Mallow full sun, well drained soil and some room to spread.

Historical Reference: Kosteletzkya virginica (L.). Kosteletzky's Mallow. Hibiscus virginica. Edge of the salt marshes on the coast and bay shore; common in Cape May County; local and less common farther north. This mallow is a conspicuous feature of the mid-summer coast marshes, its broadly branching stems with their numerous pink flowers adding quite a touch of color, although not nearly so conspicuous as the following species. Unlike it, the Kosteletzkya never strays from the vicinity of the salt marshes.

   Annual Report of the New Jersey State Museum
   New Jersey State Museum
   BiblioBazaar, 1911

Lagunaria patersonii

2009-06-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Lagunaria patersonii | Norfolk Island Hibiscus

Lagunaria is a small genus from from Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands in the South Pacific, and the coastal and inland areas of north Queensland. Until recently, Lagunaria was regarded as a monotypic species. It is believed its closest relative is Howittia, a monotypic Australian genus.

Lagunaria is known by a variety of common names, including Queensland Pyramid Tree, Cow Itch Tree, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Whitewood, and Primrose Tree. It is a pyramidal-shaped tree, growing to 15m in height. The leaves are gray-green with flowers ranging from a pale pink to an almost purple color. There is a named variety 'Royal Purple' which has rosy-purple flowers. Caution: After flowering, Lagunaria produces bristly seed capsules that cause eye and skin irritation. Lagunaria has been introduced into the United States and can be found along the California coast as well as the inland valleys. Lagunaria tolerates reduced watering once established.

Until recently Lagunaria was regarded as monotypic with Lagunaria patersonii being the sole member of the genus, but with two recognised subspecies: ssp. patersonia and ssp. bracteatus. The Queensland population has recently been re-classified (2006) as a separate species Lagunaria queenslandica, however, until it become more clear as to whether this re-classification will be generally accepted, the earlier classification is retained here.

Lagunaria patersonii ssp. patersonia is confined to Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. This subspecies is more robust in habit and has larger, scaly leaves and is generally found in rainforest.

Lagunaria patersonii ssp. bracteatus occurs in Queensland, generally found in non-rainforest areas often along rivers and creeks. All Lagunaria patersonii plants in mainland New South Wales were introduced.

As far as the specific name Lagunaria, there is some disagreement as to the correct spelling. For the most part, Australians refer to this species as Lagunaria patersonia, however I support the spelling Lagunaria patersonii, frequently used in Europe and the US. Over the last 2 centuries, Lagunaria has undergone several name changes, and a quick search of the IPNI website reveals several names associated with it. It appears that in August of 1831, G. Don published the name Lagunaria patersonii and cited Hibiscus patersonius Andrews and Lagunaea patersonia Sims as synonyms. This was later "corrected" to Lagunaria patersonia, perhaps in deference to Lagunaea patersonia Sims. However, the name Lagunaea patersonia seems unlikely on two counts: first, the defunct genus Lagunea consisted of mostly herbaceous species (like Hibiscus lobatus) that were later merged into Hibiscus. Second, based on the rules of botanical Latin, patersonia should have been rendered patersonii. According to "Botanical Latin" by William T. Stearn, "The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature recommends that when a new specific or infraspecific epithet is taken from the name of a man it should be formed in the following manner: When the name ends in a consonant, the letters ii are added (thus ramondii from Ramond), except when the name ends in er, when i is added (thus kerneri from Kerner). When epithets taken from the name of a man have an adjectival form they are formed in a similar way, e.g. Geranium robertianum, Tulipa gesneriana, Asarum hayatanum." Thus, even if the name was to have taken an adjectival form it would have been rendered Lagunaria patersoniana.

Likewise, the current International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) states:
"Article 60C.1. b If the personal name ends with a consonant (except -er), substantival epithets are formed by adding -i- (stem augmentation) plus the genitive inflection appropriate to the sex and number of the person(s) honoured (e.g. lecard-ii for Lecard (male), wilson-iae for Wilson (female), verlot-iorum for the Verlot brothers, braun-iarum for the Braun sisters, mason-iorum for Mason, father and daughter)." Thus, if for the sake of argument, Paterson was female, it whould have been rendered Lagunaria patersoniae.

It seems from the beginning, Lagunaria patersonii has been plagued with misapplied or misspelled binomials. Thankfully, the current RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS of the ICBN code allow for correction: CHAPTER V. REJECTION OF NAMES Article 51.1. A legitimate name must not be rejected merely because it, or its epithet, is inappropriate or disagreeable, or because another is preferable or better known (but see Art. 56.1)

Historical Information: The genus was named in honour of Andres de Laguna (d. 1560), a Spanish botanist (and physician to Pope Julius III), and the species in honour of a Colonel W. Paterson who first sent the seeds of the species to England.

Historical Reference: The tree is very shapely and ornamental in appearance, and is worthy of being planted far more extensively than it is. Any Sydney nurseryman can supply it. It should do well in all our sea-coast suburbs,such as Waverley, llandwick, and the Illawarra suburbs. The Manly Municipal Council has one or two in the Reserve near the jetty, but I cannot call to mind many about Sydney. In Adelaide I noticed a large number planted by the sides of the road, on the North Terrace. They were planted alternately with other trees, and were healthy-looking and ornamental. I have not at all a doubt they would do even better for street-planting in Sydney, for we have a more humid climate and a more saline atmosphere than has that beautiful city of our sister State.

The Forest Flora of New South Wales
By Joseph Henry Maiden, 1912

Lagunaria patersonii 'Royal Purple'

2009-06-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lagunaria patersonii 'Royal Purple' | Norfolk Island Hibiscus

Lagunaria is known by a variety of common names, including Queensland Pyramid Tree, Cow Itch Tree, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Whitewood, and Primrose Tree. It is a pyramidal-shaped tree, growing to 15m in height (50 ft). The leaves are gray-green and the flowers range from a pale pink to an almost purple color. For more detailed information on Lagunaria, see this sites entry for: Lagunaria patersonii

'Royal Purple' has rosy-purple flowers. The actual color is difficult to capture with a camera --the photos may appear a bit too pink depending on your monitor. As the flower ages, the color darkens to a true purple. Lagunaria has been introduced into the United States and can be found along the California coast as well as the inland valleys. Lagunaria 'Royal Purple' can be difficult to find, and at this time I am not aware of it being offered comercially in the U.S.

Historical Information: The genus was named in honour of Andres de Laguna (d. 1560), a Spanish botanist (and physician to Pope Julius III), and the species in honour of a Colonel W. Paterson who first sent the seeds of the species to England.

Lavatera assurgentiflora

2009-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Lavatera assurgentiflora | Island Tree Mallow, Island Shrub Mallow, Malva Rosa, Mission Mallow

The California Lavateras are a closely related group of 4 or 5 species, endemic to the Channel Islands of California, and on the mainland and islands of Baja California. The best known of these species, Lavatera assurgentiflora, is an extremely fast growing shrub that can be trained as a small tree.

Ssp.assurgentiflora comes from the northern Channel islands (Anacapa and San Miguel), and Ssp. glabra from San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands.

Conservation Status: There are fewer than ten native occurrences known and is considered rare at all occurrences. Seriously threatened by grazing.

Historical Reference: Lavatera assurgentiflora is a large shrub, sometimes twelve feet tall, from the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Some say it came originally from Spain. At any rate it is growing on the Islands and since it has been used for a long time for coastal windbreaks it has escaped bounds and naturalized itself near the coast almost as far north as San Francisco. This Island Mallow is a valiant battler with the elements and a courageous bloomer. In spring it is gay with flowers; when Foxtail and other grasses turn loose their seeds to bristle like porcupine quills in collectors' and photographers' clothing, it is still alive with rose-pink, dark-veined bowls; when most wild shrubs are overtaken by drought and relax into rest, there are usually a few blooms left on the Mallow. It is only when the cold January winds thrash it about that L. assurgentiflora begins to look depressed, sheds some tattered leaves, and shows empty gray-green calyx cups hanging raggedly along its smooth, gray-tan boughs.

The big bush is rounded in shape but loose and open with many stems spreading outward from the base. The Maple-like leaves are a bright light green and the large bowl-shaped flowers, two inches across, are rosy pink, a little paler toward the center, and striped with deep purple-carmine, suggesting in their detail an old flower picture.

If you live along the California coast south of San Francisco or in a corresponding coastal climate elsewhere you can hardly fail with Lavatera assurgentiflora and you will find it very useful for a wide hedge in poor soil where few other shrubs will grow. As it will volunteer all over the place, you may expect to see a whole forest of little Mallows. A bit of pruning helps it to keep its shape, but summer watering is not absolutely necessary. I bave never tried growing it in northern coastal California nor in gardens of the hot, dry, sections of the interior.

   Flowering Shrubs of California and Their Value to the Gardener
   By Lester Rowntree
   Stanford University Press, first edition 1939

Lavatera 'Black Heart'

2009-06-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Lavatera 'Black Heart' | Island Tree Mallow, Mission Mallow

The California Lavateras are a variable group suited to the cool moist winters, and warm dry summers of California. Most of the species are tolerant of coastal conditions. Lavatera venosa is found on the San Benito islands (west of Cedros island off the coast of Baja), and also in the Vizcaino area of the mainland of Baja California, but it is unknown if it is native or introduced. Venosa is smaller than assurgentiflora, and has darker purple flowers with darker veins.

Lavatera 'Black Heart' is a hybrid between Lavatera venosa and Lavatera assurgentiflora. It has medium green glabrous leaves and dark purple flowers. Plants reach 6’ tall with a 4-6’ span..

Historical Reference: From Natividad to San Bartolome Bay is a distance of about twenty miles, and here a landing was made on the mainland of the Peninsula. In 1839, H. M. S. Sulphur anchored in this harbor, and the plants found at that time are listed in the Botany of the Sulphur ... Lavatera venosa grows upon a rock at the mouth of the harbor, and surrounded by water is preserved from destruction by animals that would like to feed upon it. The distribution of the Lavateras of these Mexican islands is very interesting. Lavatera venosa is extremely abundant on the San Benito Islands, and grows on San Geronimo Islands and at San Bartolome Bay. The leaves of the San Bartolome form are more laciniate than those from San Benito, and this peculiarity would seem to show that it is not a recent introduction from the latter. L. octidentalis persists on the cliffs of the canons of Guadalupe Island, in localities inaccessible to goats, and L. insularis belongs exclusively to the Coronado Islands near San Diego. L. insularis and L. octidentalis are not very distinct from one another. These three species thrive well in cultivation at San Diego and spread rapidly, but it is difficult to be certain whether many of the young plants belong to the Guadalupe or the Coronados forms, perhaps a result of cross-fertilization. Herbivorous animals are fond of Lavatera, and the presence of goats on Natividad would account for its absence there; and on Cedros in addition to these animals, so destructive to botanical interests, there are deer.

   Zoe: A Biological Journal
   By Townshend Stith Brandegee, Katharine Layne Brandegee
   Published by Zoe Publishing Company, 1900

Lavatera × clementii ‘Red Rum’

2009-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lavatera × clementii ‘Red Rum’ | Dwarf Tree Mallow, Shrub Mallow

Lavatera 'Red Rum' is said to be a red-flowering Tree Mallow (as opposed to the common pink). In truth its flowers are a darker than average pink verging toward magenta. Even though it does not have red flowers, it is still a worthwhile shrub. 'Red Rum' is a floriferous perennial shrub with a compact habit, grown as a landscape or accent plant. The close clustering of the flowers makes an intense display.

Historical Information: In 1996 'Red Rum' was bred by English plant breeder Ken Rigney in his garden at Southampton, UK, by open pollination. It is a cross between two other Lavatera cultivars: 'Bredon Springs' and 'Burgundy Wine'. 'Red Rum' is distinguishable from both parents by its darker flower color and compact growth habit. It is often erroneously believed to have been named from the Steven King novel, The Shining. Rather, 'Red Rum' is named after an English steeplechase race horse.

Lavatera maritima

2009-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lavatera maritima | Bicolor Tree Mallow, Tree Mallow

Lavatera maritima (aka Lavatera bicolor) is a large shrub that grows 2-3m in height. The gray-green leaves are palmately lobed, the lavender-pink flowers have dark centers with radiating veins. It blooms year round with peak bloom from spring to late fall. This Iberian native is hardy to about 20° F. and is an excellent choice for the xeric garden. It's an all around tough plant suitable for problem areas or for exposed coastal planting.

Historical Reference: Remarks.—Lavatera maritima, grows along the French and Italian shores of the Mediterranean, in Sardinia, in Spain, and in Algiers. At Mentone I have rarely seen this plant at any distance from the above-named formations, where it delights to wedge itself into the cracks of the hardest and most inhospitable cliffs, or to vie with Euphorbia dendroides, in endurance of the heat of arid and scorching situations. I have gathered it on limestone cliffs at Noli, east of Finale, where the leaves are peculiarly thick and almost fleshy, and it grows inland in the department of the Alpes Maritimes, at Le Bar, and St. Arnoux.

   Contributions to the Flora of Mentone and to a Winter Flora of the Riviera,
     Including the Coast from Marseilles to Genoa
   By John Traherne Moggridge
   Published by L. Reeve & Co., 1874

Lavatera olbia 'Lilac Lady'

2009-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lavatera olbia 'Lilac Lady' | Tree Mallow

Tree Mallows form large upright bushes with wands of hollyhock-like flowers throughout the warmer months. Lavatera 'Lilac Lady' is more of a woody shrub, but can be cut back after flowering to increase bushiness. Small pale-violet flowers with darker veining bloom from sping into fall. The effect is more reserved than the pink flowered cultivars. Plants need to be staked in windy areas. Native to the hills and thickets of Europe and western Russia.

Reference: Do you have Lavatera 'Lilac Lady'? If you feel some of the rosy-pink lavateras a bit overdone ―poor plants, it's our fault if we feel that way- then you might like to try it. Just now with renewed growth with cooler weather, all my Lavatera make a most welcoming entrance to the garden ―as do several bushes I enjoy when I drive through the village. But Lavatera 'Lilac Lady' is more upright, with less vigorous growth. Its narrow, maple-shaped leaves are felted grey-green, with smaller, flat-faced flowers about 5cm (2in) across, are translucent, silk-textured and pale lilac-blue, held in upright spires. Last year I was not too impressed, but this second year they have made handsome, shapely bushes, and are still in flower long after the colony of purple atriplex seeded beside them has gone.

   Dear friend & gardener: letters on life and gardening
   By Beth Chatto, Christopher Lloyd
   Published by frances lincoln ltd, 1998

Lavatera triloba ssp. triloba

2009-06-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Lavatera triloba ssp. triloba | The Three-lobed Lavatera, Mallow-tree, Malvavisco loco

Lavatera triloba ssp. triloba (formerly known as Althaea triloba, Lavatera flava var. purpurea, and Lavatera rotundata) is a shrubby perennial up to 2m in height. It can be found in open sunny spots in the western Mediterranean region (from Spain and Portugal, Sicily, Sardinia, Tunisia, northern Algeria and Morocco). It is often found growing along streambanks or other sources of water. Purple or yellow flowers are produced spring through summer on upright stems. An added bonus is the subtle pleasing scent of the flowers.

There are 3 subspecies of Lavatera triloba. Ssp. agrigentina has yellow flowers. Ssp. pallescens has purplish or pale pink flowers and Ssp. triloba, has purple or yellow flowers.

Historical Reference: LAVATERA triloba.
Purple Rock Lavatera: A hardy, half-shrubby, herbaceous plant, delighting in exposed dry situations. It is well adapted for ornamenting rough masses of artificial rock-work. A native of Spain, where it is found in the maritime provinces, growing in some abundance upon cliffs and precipices. Flowers from June to September.

   ‪The Botanical Register:‬ Volume 12
   ‪Sydenham Edwards, John Bellenden Ker, John Lindley
   Printed for James Ridgway by S. Gosnell, 1826‬

Historical Reference: LAVATERA TRILOBA, Lin. THE THREE-LOBED LAVATERA.
Description —This species, which is somewhat shrubby at the base of the stem, grows about three feet high, and flowers abundantly, though the flowers are much smaller than those of the preceding species (Lavatera thuringiaca). It may be planted in any common garden soil, but it requires a little protection during winter. It is a native of Spain, whence it was introduced before 1759- The flowers, which appear in June, July, and August, have a strong smell of musk.

   ‪The ladies' flower-garden of ornamental perennials, Volume 1
   ‪Loudon (Jane)
   Published 1843‬

Lebronnecia kokioides

2009-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Lebronnecia kokioides

Lebronnecia kokioides, another monotypic genus (meaning this species is the only representative of the genus Lebronnecia), is an extremely rare small tree known only from the Marquesas Islands (Tahuata and Mohotani) in the South Pacific. It grows up to 10m high, with leaves up to 15cm long (usually less) that are somewhat pointed at the tip. Flowers grow 2-4 together on stalks up to 4cm long. The seed pod is a woody capsule that contains a single round black seed covered with reddish brown hairs.

When Lebronnecia was first described in 1966, only a single tree, along with a few seedlings was known from Tahuatu. By 1975, the forests on Tahuata had been seriously reduced due to grazing from goats, cattle, pigs and horses. Lebronnecia kokioides was later found on Mohotani, a neighboring island that is uninhabited by humans. Although the central portion of the island is forested, the northern portion, which was previously covered with xerophytic scrub, was reduced by sheep to a barren waste of red, stony soil. As early as 1910, the sheep were beginning to do severe damage to the remaining forests. Thankfully, Lebronnecia kokioides seems to be unpalatable to sheep. In 1971, a Nature Reserve was created on Mohotani, however the sheep still remain.

Lebronnecia kokioides is of considerable interest due to its geographical isolation and its relation to cotton (Gossypium). Included in the eight genera of the Gossypieae are four small genera with restricted geographic distributions (Fryxell, 1979): Lebronnecia, from the Marquesas Islands, Cephalohibiscus, from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Gossypioides, contains two species from East Africa and Madagascar and Kokia, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, includes three extant and one extinct species.

Reference: Mohotani Island ―This is a small island about 20km cast of Tahuata. It is surrounded by sheer cliffs, which are up to 520m high on the straight, down-faulted east side. The surface slopes gradually in the form of a high plateau west and north from the main, high southeastern cliffs to the northern cliffs, which are about 460m above sea level.

In 1929 the greater pan of the island was forested, except for the plateau, which was covered by Miscanthus savanna with small areas of Thespesia (or more probably Lebronnecia or both). The forest on the rest of the island was composed of gigantic Pisonia, smaller Cordia suhcordara, Thespesia (or Lebronnecia), Pandanus, Aleurites, Hibiscus, and other trees and shrubs. Surface water was very scarce. Some time later, sheep were introduced. In 1968, when visited by Sachet, Oliver, and Schaefer, all undergrowth in the parts accessible to them except the malvaceous Lebronnecia, relative of Gossypium and poisonous with gossypol, had been destroyed by the sheep. Sheep avoided the Lebronnecia, giving this otherwise almost extinct shrub a new lease on life. Another Malvaceae, the arborescent, endemic Abutilon sachetianum, also persisted here. The condition of the tree layer of the forest was not reported.

   Vegetation of the tropical Pacific islands
   By Dieter Mueller-Dombois, Francis Raymond Fosberg
   Published by Springer, 1998

Malvaviscus arboreus var. mexicanus

2009-05-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

Malvaviscus arboreus var. mexicanus | Cardinals Hat, Mazapan, Nodding Hibiscus, Sleeping Hibiscus, Turk's Cap, Giant Mexican Turk's-Cap

Malvaviscus arboreus is native from Mexico to Columbia, but it has naturalized in areas of the southern US, and other parts of the world. It's commonly called the sleeping or nodding hibiscus because the flowers do not open fully —they resemble wilted, downward hanging hibiscus flowers. Open or not, its still a worthy subject for the garden.

Malvaviscus arboreus has previously been known as: M. penduliflorus, M. conzatti, M. mexicanus, M. grandiflorus and M. mollis. This is a variable species that includes a few subspecies and varieties. It grows to 3m tall and almost as wide, bearing red, fleshy fruits along with the pendulous flowers. Varieties are available with red, pink, white or light pink flowers. Malvaviscus arboreus comes from warm, humid climates but also thrives in subtropical frost-free areas. They need well-drained soil and supplemental summer watering in dry climates.

Historical Reference: A tall shrub with alternate, three-lobed, acuminate leaves, serrate, roughish: petioles recurved. Peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. External calyx of several leaflets linear, erect; internal of one leaflet with a five-cleft border. Corolla of five petals, obovate, convolute, never fully expanding. Column of stamens and styles twisted, twice the length of the corolla; anthers pendulous, scattered along the column; stigmas recurved. Native of Jamaica. With us an inhabitant of the stove, where its handsome foliage and bright scarlet flowers produced most part of the year, render it very ornamental. Cultivated in 1714, by the Duchess of Beaufort. Communicated by Mr. Blake from the collection of James Vere, Esq.

   Tropical shrubs‎
   John Sims
   Published by s.n., 1822

Pavonia candida

2009-04-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pavonia candida | White Pavonia, Pavonie Blanche, Lirio

Pavonia candida is a large shrub from central Mexico (found in Coahuila, Queretaro, Jalisco, and Michoacan). It has previously been known as Malvaviscus candidus and Malvaviscus pringlei. It grows to 6m high, with showy white flowers that bloom from July to October in its native Central America. Although it has potential as an ornamental, the species is scarce in its natural range and is vulnerable to extinction. Like all Pavonia, the fruit has five mericarps, in this case each mericarp is hard (woody, almost bony), so that a hammer is needed to crack it to remove the single seed. The common name "Lirio" (Lily) originates from Sinaloa, in reference to the pure white blooms resemblance to a lily.

Reference: Lirio (Malvaviscus candidus o Malvaviscus grandiflorus). Procedencia: Se cultiva en macetas en los patios de las casas de Santa Ana y florea todo el tiempo.

Translation: Lirio (Malvaviscus candidus o Malvaviscus grandiflorus). Origin: It is grown in pots in the courtyards of the houses in Santa Ana where it is always blooming.

  Conocimientos y prácticas médicas en una comunidad campesina
  Patricia Palacios de Westendarp
  Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, 1986

Historical Reference: Malvaviscus pringlei. A shrub fully 6m high; with leaves 15 to 18cm long; flowers very large and showy; petals 7.5cm long, white; stamen tubes nearly 15cm long, extending fully 7.5cm beyond the petals. Collected along a garden fence in a little village between Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, and Colotlan, Jalisco, August 28, 1897. This very showy plant has only once before been collected, and then from the state of Michoacan. I saw only a single plant, and supposed at the time it had been planted, as it was growing on the edge of a garden. I have partly characterized the plants as above in order to bring out certain unpublished characters, as well as to show that the size of the flowers and leaves is even greater than was at first supposed. This is by far the most showy plant of the geuns which I have yet seen from Mexico.

   Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 30, Issue 1
   United States. Dept. of Agriculture
   Government Printing Office, 1901

Pavonia hastata

2009-04-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Pavonia hastata | Pale Pavonia, Pink Pavonia, Fairy Hibiscus, Spearleaf Swampmallow

Pavonia hastata is native to South America, although there is ongoing debate as to weather or not it is also native to Australia —early collectors are said to have found it there soon after settlement. Older Australian references referred to it as a native plant but more recent references often consider it to be an introduced species. Pavonia hastata has naturalized in the United States —in various locations throughout the southeast (Florida and Georgia).

Some of the flowers may be cleistogamous (they produce seeds without opening). In Spring or Summer, bushes are often covered with seed pods from blooms that never actually opened. When given the right conditions —such as good soil and ample water, Pavonia hastata has the potential to become somewhat weedy, so appropriate thought should be given as to where it is grown. Seeds remain viable for a long time, sprouting under favourable conditions, even after several years.

Reference: Pavonia hastata, —Althaea grandidentata, —Dry banks, Buenos Ayres, and woods of the Banda Oriental, Tweedie. Province of San Luis, (5000 feet,) Dr. Gillies. This species surely belongs to the Labretonia of Schrank, if that genus be really distinct from Pavonia. The leaves, particularly the young ones, have pellucid dots.

Botanical miscellany. Vol.1-3
By William Jackson Hooker, 1833

Pavonia lasiopetala

2009-04-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Pavonia lasiopetala | Malva de monte, Native Rock Rose, Rose pavonia, Rosemallow, Texas Rock Rose, Wright Pavonia

Previously known as Pavonia wrightii, Malache lasiopetala. Pavonia lasiopetala is a drought tolerant Texas native with shrubby growth up to 1m. It has become a popular garden plant throughout Texas, but its native range is south, central or west Texas, from the Edwards Plateau, the Rio Grande Plains into Mexico, in dry, rocky and calcareous soils.

The Texas Rock Rose’s popularity is no doubt due to its long bloom period and versatility; it grows well in full sun or half shade, a variety of soils, and very dry to regularly irrigated conditions. However, the most striking feature of this plant is the small pink to rose colored flowers, usually 2.5cm in diameter. Opening early in the morning, the blooms usually close by mid-late afternoon, often blooming from March through November. This is a shrub-like perennial that can get woody at the base; to keep this plant in bloom and to prevent legginess it can be trimmed back throughout the growing season. Texas Rock Rose generally lives 3-6 years, but self sows freely and can be easily propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.

Historical Reference: Charles Wright. As we go to press the telegraph announces the death of this eminent botanist, which occurred on his farm at Weathers- field, Connecticut, on the i ith of August, in his seventy-fourth year. He was found dead in his barn. Mr. Wright was one of the earliest of what might be termed the modern race of enthusiastic collectors along our Mexican borders, who have done so much to make the flora of that section known to us. His name must be familiar to nearly all plant-lovers in some one plant or another that has been named for him. As we pen these remarks two pretty things —Pavonia Wrightii and Scutellaria Wrightii—are blooming before us, mementoes of the earnest labors amidst difficulties and danger modern explorers are mostly exempt from, but which beset the early wanderers over our continent. Since "our time," Mr. Wright has been somewhat retired, and the writer never had the pleasure but of one brief introduction to him. But we shall no doubt have a full tribute to his life and eminent services from his co-laborers at Cambridge in due season.

   The Gardener's monthly and horticulturist
   Thomas Meehan
   Published by Charles H. Marot, 1885

Pavonia missionum

2009-04-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Pavonia missionum | Pavonia misionera, Malva del monte, Malva misionera

Pavonia missionum is a small. graceful, floriferous shrub native to South America (northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil and Paraguay). In Argentina it is naturally found growing along the water courses of the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes. The small red to orange-red flowers appear from spring through summer, and have a golden center. The leaves have an unusual characteristic not common among the malvaceae; the presence of sticky resin on the leaves reminescent of some Salvia. Pavonia missionum is tender but can take some frost. It can be prpagated easily from seed or root division. This plant is sometimes erroneously referred to as Pavonia malvifolia.

Reference: Características: es un lindo subarbusto que alcanza un metro y media de altura. Es digna de ser cultivada como ornamental, en canteros o macetas, por su vistosa floración. Requiere sol y suelos bien drenados.

Translation: Characteristics: This is a nice subshrub up to a meter and half high. It is worthy of being cultivated as ornamental in flowerbeds or pots, for its showy flowers. Requires sun and well-drained soil.

   100 plantas argentinas
   By Valeria De Marzi
   Editorial Albatros, 2006

Pavonia praemorsa

2009-04-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pavonia praemorsa | Yellow Mallow, Yellow Pavonia

Pavonia praemorsa is an attractive, small to medium sized upright growing shrub to 2m. The flower buds initially open to reveal red to apricot colored petals that rapidly fade to yellow after opening (photo at left shows flowers from the same plant). Flowering can occur year round with peak bloom in spring and fall. Planted in full sun, Pavonia praemorsa tolerates a wide variety of soils as long as it is not soggy. In its natural setting, this South African native can be found on the margin of dry coastal or inland bush, growing in well drained soils. Pavonia praemorsa can be grown to form a thick screen in sunny locations, or pruned to maintain a smaller shrub, but it tends to get spindly when grown in shade. It can withstand winter temperatures into the mid-20's. Pavonia praemorsa is a nectar source butterflies and a great addition to the home garden. The genus was named in honor of José Antonio Pavón Jiménez (1754–1840), a Spanish botanist.

Historical Reference: Pavonia. —A José Pavón, uno de nuestros mejores botánicos, y uno de los autores de la obra inmortal de la Flora del Perú y Chile. Translation: Pavonia, after José Pavón, one of our best botanists, and one of the authors of the immortal work 'Flora of Peru and Chile'.

   Historia bibliográfica de la medicina española
   By Antonio Hernández Morejón
   Published by Impr. de la viuda de Jordan e hijos, 1843

Phymosia umbellata

2009-04-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Phymosia umbellata | Mexican Bush Mallow, Fimosia, Malva Aparasolada

Malva umbellata and Sphaeralcea umhellatais are nomenclatural synonyms. It is believed that the Genus Phymosia has a close relationship to the North American Iliamna and Malacothamnus. As the common name suggests, this species is native to Mexico (as well as other parts of Central America). The Mexican Bush Mallow has large, grayish green leaves reminiscent of Hibiscus mutabilis. 7.5cm red flowers cover this evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach up to 4m with an equal spread. Hummingbirds love this plant! Position in good, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. The Mexican Bush Mallow can take light frost in mild climates.

Reference: Hábitat. En bosques perennifolios húmedos y bosques caducifolios. Es posible que su presencia en el Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán sea resultado de un proceso de naturalización, debido a que todas las colecciones provienen de orlllas de caminos y otras lugares perturbados muy cercanos a lugares habitados.

Translation: Habitat. In wet evergreen forests and deciduous woodlands. It is possible that their presence in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is the result of the process of naturalization, because all the collections come from the edge of roads and other disturbed sites near inhabited areas.

   Flora del Valle de Tehuacán-cuicatlán
   By Paul A. Fryxell
   Published by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 1993

Robinsonella cordata

2009-04-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Robinsonella cordata | Heartleaf Robinsonella, Tree Mallow

There are approximately 21 species in this genus, named after Dr. B.L. Robinson, Curator of Harvard's Gray Herbarium in the 1890s. Robinsonella cordata is a central American tree up to 13m tall, found in various locations from southern Mexico to Guatemala. It can be found growing naturally in gullies mainly in deciduous and mixed forests, at elevations up to 1900m. The small lavender flowers (sometimes more pale to white) are borne in clusters, usually from February through April in the natural range.

Historical Information: Robinsonella cordata was originally introduced to California by an Italian horticulturalist named Francesco Franceschi who obtained seed from Guatemala. In 1893, Franceschi established a nursery in Santa Barbara, that specialized in the introduction exotic plants to California —there may even still be a Robinsonella tree at Franceschi Park in Santa Barbara.

Historical Reference: Robinsonella cordata. Specimens representing this species were collected by Professor C. Conzatti on the hacienda de Guadalupe, Oaxaca, Mexico, altitude 1600m., December 6, 1908. Professor Conzatti's specimens are in full flower, but the leaves are not entirely expanded, thus giving at first glance a very different appearance from the type specimens secured by Dr. Pringle in 1895. In all essential characters there is exact correspondence. This collection records a second known locality for this very distinct and showy species.

   Publication By Field Columbian Museum
   Published by The Museum, 1916

Historical Reference: Robinsonella cordata. (Rebsamenia arborea) Conzatti. Dr. T. H. Kearney recently wrote to the senior author of the present paper, inquiring about the identity of the genus Rebsamenia, which, although described as a tree, is not mentioned in Trees and Shrubs of Mexico, having been overlooked by the author. As described, Rebsamenia consisted of a single species, based upon a collection by V. Gonzalez and C. Conzatti from Cerro de San Felipe, Oaxaca, Mexico, March 7, 1898. Conzatti's description is sufficiently ample, its most significant phrases indicating that the plant described is a tree and that its flowers are blue, which among Mexican Malvaceae can apply only to the genus Robinsonella, described by Rose and Baker in 1897. In her excellent monograph of Robinsonella (Journ. Arnold Arb. 12: 49. 1931) Mrs. Eva M. Fling Rousch does not mention Rebsamenia, but it is clear that this is referable to Robinsonella cordata, which is cited there (p. 58) as having been collected on Cerro de San Felipe by Gonzalez and Conzatti March 7, 1898 (no. 671). This no. 671 is doubtless the type collection of Rebsamenia cordata

   Studies of Central American Plants VII
   Published by Paul C. Standley
   October 22, 1947

Robinsonella discolor

2009-04-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Robinsonella discolor | Jonote, Jonote Amargoso

Robinsonella discolor is a small tree to 12m high, found in northeastern Mexico (states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo). This tree is typically found growing at elevations from 300-1100m in humid locations of deciduous tropical forest, sub-deciduous tropical forest (i.e. similar to but not strictly deciduous tropical forest), as well as in oak woods. The small white flowers occur in profusion anytime from January through April. Although not common, this species is relatively frequent in the extreme north-east of the state of Querétaro. For this reason, and its occurrence in some secondary communities, it is not considered vulnerable to extinction.

Historical Reference: Robinsonella discolor. Tree 6 to 9m. high, glabrous, with brownish gray cortex; leaves ovate, cuspidate, subacuminate, blunt at the apex, cordate or subcordate at base, sometimes unequal-sided, 4 to 5 cm. long, 2.5 to nearly 4 cm. broad, on petioles 1 to 1.5 cm. long, discolorous (covered with a line but dense tomentum), green above, canesccut below; sepals ovate; petals white, 7 mm. long; fruit borne on pedicels, often about 2 cm. long toward the extremities of short lateral branchlets and at the apex; pedicels articulated about the middle, solitary or in pairs; calyx about two-thirds the length of the carpels; sepals ovate, acute, puberulous; carpels about 12, stellately hairy, especially on the back, not quite 1 cm. long; seed dark brown, subtriangular, hairy in parts.
Collected by Mr. C. G. Pringle on limestone hills, Las Palinas, San Luis Potosi, altitude 90 meters, April 27, 1894 (No. 5767), and March 2, 1899 (No. 8007).

This species differs from R. cordata in not having villous petioles, in the color and character of the pubescence on the leaves, etc. Subscribers to Mr. Pringle's elegant sets of Mexican plants will doubtless find it in this year's distribution. Mr. Pringle states that this species is a slender tree found on the mountains of eastern San Luis Potosi, thence to Tampico.

Adding this species to those described in Garden and Forest for Juno, 1897, the genus will now consist of R. cordata, R. divergens, R. lindeniana, and R. discolor. The type of tho last named will be found in the U. S. National Herbarium, Washington.

Fragments of still another species have recently been sent to Mr. Rose from Honduras, and while there is no question as to its generic position and its distinctness from the four other species, yet it seems best to withhold it until further material has come to light. Collectors in Central America and curators of Herbaria will confer a great favor if they can communicate any material which will help us diagnose this species fully.

Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 5
Published by Smithsonian Institution Press, 1901

Robinsonella lindeniana

2009-04-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Robinsonella lindeniana | Linden Robinsonella, Chaqueta de Novia, Mano de León, Manzanillo

Robinsonella lindeniana is a small shrub or tree 6 to 9m tall, endemic to parts of Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. It can be found growing naturally on uncultivated land (in high evergreen forest, oak woodland and secondary deciduous or scrub vegetation) and on charrales —old pasture land in process of forest regeneration. Leaves are deeply to shallowly 3- or 5-lobed, somewhat pubescent on the underside, more sparsely on top. It is characterized by showy white flowers with delicate purple veining. The inflorescence is a large panicle of small flowers up to 1.2cm. with flowering occurring from November to January. This plant is striking while in bloom, but at other times of the year it passes unnoticed. In its native range it has not been used as an ornamental, but could be used as such.

Robinsonella lindeniana ssp. divergens (formerly Robinsonella edentula) differs from the typical variety in being generally treelike and having leaves moderately 3-lobed or unlobed, with inflorescence that are more congested. It occurs in Chiapas, found in evergreen forest and pine-oak-liquidamber forest.

Historical Reference: TWO SPECIES OF ROBINSONELLA. Robinsonella edentula Smith & Rose, Bot. Gaz. 37: 214. 1904. Undoubtedly a shrub or small tree with branches and leaves, pedicels and buds, etc., stellate-pubescent; leaves nearly orbicular in outline, somewhat 3-lobed, the lobes acute, obtuse or even rounded, entire or with faint indications of teeth, slightly pubescent above, softly stellate pubescent beneath, 6 to 10 cm. long, with a deep rather narrow sinus; flowers very abundant in axillary panicles; peduncles slender, pilose as well as stellate, 8 to 16 mm. long, jointed near the apex; corolla violet, 2 cm. broad; staminal tube very abort; carpels 7 mm. long, obtuse with thin reticulated walls. Collected by H. von Turckheim at Coban, Department of Alto Verapaz, Guatemala, altitude 1,300 meters, November, 1902. Nearest R. divergens, but with less densely stellate branches, leaves with entire margins, shorter staminal tube, less densely pubescent ovaries, much smaller carpels, and pilose pedicels.

Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 8
Published by Smithsonian Institution Press, 1905

Ruizia cordata

2009-04-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Ruizia cordata | Bois de senteur, Bois de chanteur, Bois de chanteur blanc, Sweet-scented Whitewood

Ruizia is an endangered, monotypic genus from Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. It is closely related to genera such as Dombeya, Trochetia, Astiria, Helmiopsis and Helmiopsiella. The genus was named after the Spanish botanist Hipólito Ruiz (1754-1816).

Ruizia cordata is a small tree to 10m. The foliage of Ruizia is heterophyllous (variable) ―juvenile plants are markedly different from the adult plants. This resulted in several synonyms for the species, including Ruizia lobata, Ruizia laciniata and Ruizia variabilis. The plant flowers before reaching maturity. The inflorescence is 5-10cm long, bearing 7-15 pink flowers; Male flowers are about 1cm in diameter, female flowers are slightly smaller.

The xerophilous Ruizia cordata was once abundant in the the dry, low altitude areas of Réunion as well as on the semi-dry forest slopes. In the past, it was the dominant species of these regions but up until a few years ago, this species was still endangered and was actually believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered. In 1998 only 2 plants remained in the wild, but it has now been reintroduced into the wild by the Conservatoire Botanique des Mascarins. A number of trees are also in cultivation at the McBryde Garden of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai, Hawaii.

Local beliefs played a major role in pushing Ruizia cordata to the brink of extinction. Bark as well as other parts of the tree were believed to have magical medicinal properties and were sought after by local herb-doctors for their purported curative powers. Local traditional medicine used it to treat a number of diseases as well as to chase away evil spirits.

Historical Reference: RUIZIA. The name given to a few shrubs of the Sterculiaceae found in the Island of Bourbon, and closely related to Dmnbeya or Astrapæa, but differing in all the twenty stamens of the flowers being anther-bearing, as well as in their ten-celled ovary. The four species are named respectively palmata, lobata, cordata, and dissecta, from their palmate or maple-like, lobed heart-shaped or dissected leaves, which are stalked alternate and downy underneath. The white or rosy flowers, somewhat like miniature mallows, are disposed In axillary stalked cymes, each flower having a five-parted calyx with two bracts at its base; five oblong clawed petals ; twenty stamens; and a ten-celled ovary crowned with ten short styles. The fruits are ten celled globular capsules with two seeds In each cell. The name of Dr. Hlppolite Ruiz, an eminent Spanish botanist and traveller in Peru and Chile, is perpetuated in this genus.

   The treasury of botany: a popular dictionary of the vegetable kingdom
   By ‪John Lindley‬, ‪Thomas Moore‬
   Published by Longmans, Green, and co., 1874

Talipariti archboldianum

2009-03-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Talipariti archboldianum

Talipariti archboldianum (Basionyms: Hibiscus archboldianus Borssum Waalkes, Hibiscus lepidotus Borssum Waalkes) is endemic to the island of New Guinea, and is one of the few Talipariti species with large pink or red flowers (Talipariti ellipticifolium is another). The rose-pink petals are up to 10cm long, and 3.5cm wide. Only Talipariti elatum (with yellow to orange-red flowers) has petals of comparable size. Talipariti archboldianum is a sub-canopy tree up to 50m tall, found growing naturally from lowlands to montane rain forests at elevations up to 2400m (Papua New Guinea has a variety of terrestrial ecosystems including five types of lowland rainforest and 13 types of montane rainforest). Formerly known as Hibiscus archboldianus, this and a group of 22 closely related species in the genus Hibiscus were reclassified by Malvaceae taxonomist Paul A. Fryxell into the new genus Talipariti.

Historical Information: Talipariti archboldianum was named after Richard Archbold (1907-1976), heir to early fortunes of the Standard Oil Company. Archbold became an internationally renowned aviator and explorer. From 1929 to 1939, in affiliation with the American Museum of Natural History, he organized, supported, and led four biological expeditions. The first was to Madagascar and then three to the interior of New Guinea. These expeditions are still famous for their comprehensiveness and significance to science.

Talipariti elatum

2009-03-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Talipariti elatum | Blue Mahoe, Mountain Mahoe, Majagua, Majó, Cuban Bast

Over the last 200 years Talipariti elatum has been known by a variety of names including Paritium elatum, Hibiscus tiliaceus ssp. elatus, and more recently Hibiscus elatus. Originally from Cuba and Jamaica (where it is the national tree), it has now been introduced into other parts of the Caribbean, Florida and Hawaii.

This beautiful tree grows up to 30m tall, with a trunk sometimes reaching 1m in daimeter. Flower petals are up to 12cm long. Upon opening, flowers are bright yellow, but as the day progresses, they deepen to an orange-red color. Talipariti elatum, can be distinguished from other Talipariti by its larger flowers, and decidious calyx.

The species name elatum refers to the stature of this tree. The common name, Blue Mahoe, refers to the beautiful bluish tone of its durable wood (also with greenish and grayish overtones), historically used in furniture making, carvings, stringed instruments, and for other uses.

Historical Reference: Hibiscus elatus. BLUE OR MOUNTAIN MAHOE. CUBA BAST. Native of West Indies. A tree, 50 to 60 feet with roundish leaves and large flowers of a purplish-snffron color. (See fig. 62.)

BAST FIBER.-A specimen of the fiber from Demerara, sent to the Department in 1863, was described as very strong but coarse and suitable for making cordage, coffee bags, etc. "The fibers make good ropes. The lace-like inner bark was at one time known as Cuba bark (Cuba bast), from its being used as the material for tying around bundles of Havana cigars" (Fawcett). A small quantity of fiber known comercially as Cuba bast or Guana comes to this country, though latterly the supply is very small owing to the revolutionary troubles in Cuba. Messrs. Flint, Eddy & Co., the New York importers, have furnished information concerning it as follows:

The process of gathering entails the destruction of the tree, which is cut down, the bark peeled off, exposing the fiber, which is separated from the bark and spread out in the sun to dry,and subsequently packed in bales containing 150 pounds, or thereabouts. There are two or three grades of it, ranging in price from 25 to 75 cents per pound, the more desirable grades being the lighter and softer textures. It is used extensively in this country and Europe for making women's hats and millinery trimmings, such as braids, etc. Its porousness makes it very desirable for the above purpose, as it readily absorbs a dye without impairing its texture. We understand that it is also used to some extent in Europe for making hammock twine, narrow strips of it twisted into the form of twine having considerable tensile strength. In using it for millinery purposes it is slit into narrow strips and then woven, twisted, braided, etc.

   A descriptive catalogue of useful fiber plants of the world
   United States Dept. of Agriculture Issue 9
   United States. Dept. of Agriculture, 1897

Historical Reference: Hibiscus elatus Swartz. Prodromus Descriptionum Vegetabilium India Occidentalis, 1788. p. 102. Paritium elatum G. DON, General History of the Dichlamydeous Plants. I. 1831. P. 485.

A tree about twenty feet high, growing in the swamp at the western base of Mt. Colombo, May 12, 1910, 0.E. Jennings, No. 265. General Distribution: Cuba, the Isle of Pines, Jamaica, southern Mexico, Guiana, and probably the West Indies and tropical continental America generally.

There is a difference of opinion among botanists as to the distinctness of Hibiscus tiliaceus and Hibiscus elatus, a number of leading botanists having treated them as one and the same species. The writer has not investigated the subject to any great extent but the evidence indicates two distinct species.

   Contributions to the natural history of the Isle of Pines, Cuba
   United States Dept. of Agriculture Issue 9
   Pub. by authority of the Board of trustees of the Carnegie institute, 1917

Talipariti glabrum

2009-03-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Talipariti glabrum | Mountain Hao, Mountain Haw Tree, テリハハマボウ (Terihahamabo)

Hibiscus glaber is a synonym of Talipariti glabrum. Found in the Okinawa island group, Talipariti glabrum is a branching shrub up 3m tall (10 ft). It is similar to Talipariti tiliaceum (Hibiscus tiliaceus) or Sea Hibiscus, differing mainly in leaf and petal formation. It is also closely related to Talipariti hamabo (Hibiscus hamabo). The heart-shaped leaves of T. glabrum are a medium green in contrast to the 7-8cm bright yellow flowers. Flowers have a purple/red basal spot and deepen to orange as they age. Like Talipariti tiliaceum, this plant does well in coastal locations exposed to salty air and winds. It prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and makes a good specimen bush or a hedge. Blooms in the summer and fall. Propagation is typically through hardwood cuttings in late spring. There is reputedly a variation of T. glabrum with larger, deep purplish brown foliage, although this may be the result of confusion with a variety of Talipariti tilliaceus.

Reference: Two woody Hibiscus species co-occur in the Bonin Islands of the northwestern Pacific Ocean: Hibiscus glaber Matsum. is endemic to the islands, and its putative ancestral species, Hibiscus tiliaceus L., is widely distributed in coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics. To infer isolating mechanisms that led to speciation of H. glaber and the processes that resulted in co-occurrence of the two closely related species on the Bonin Islands, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses on chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences. Materials collected from a wide area of the Pacific and Indian Oceans were used, and two closely related species, Hibiscus hamabo Siebold Zucc. and Hibiscus macrophyllus Roxb., were also included in the analyses. The constructed tree suggested that H. glaber has been derived from H. tiliaceus, and that most of the modern Bonin populations of H. tiliaceus did not share most recent ancestry with H. glaber. Geographic isolation appears to be the most important mechanism in the speciation of H. glaber. The co-occurrence of the two species can be attributed to multiple migrations of different lineages into the islands. While a wide and overlapping geographical distribution of haplotypes was found in H. tiliaceus, localized geographical distribution of haplotypes was detected in H. glaber. It is hypothesized that a shift to inland habitats may have affected the mode of seed dispersal from ocean currents to gravity and hence resulted in geographical structuring of H. glaber haplotypes.

Origin and diversification of Hibiscus glaber, Koji Takayama
Molecular Ecology, Volume 14 Issue 4, June 2004

Talipariti hamabo

2009-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Talipariti hamabo | Yellow Hibiscus, 海滨木槿 (Hai Bin Mu Jin), ハマボウ (Hama-bou)

Talipariti hamabo is also known as Hibiscus hamabo, and is closely related to Talipariti glabrum (Hibiscus glaber) and Talipariti tiliaceum (Hibiscus tiliaceus). The common Chinese name is 海滨木槿 (hai bin mu jin). The common name in Japanese, ハマボウ (hama-bou) may possibly be derived from Hama-hau which means 'beach prostrating'. Hibiscus hamabo grows in salt marsh habitats in southwestern Japan; Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa, Bonin and Ryukyu Islands. It can also be found in Korea and China on coastal beaches. This is a branching decidious shrub up to 4.5m tall (15 ft). Single yellow flowers with a crimson spot at the base appear throughout summer. Taliparit1 hamabo was first described in Japanese horticultural books (Ito -1695) and later described and illustrated in the 'Honzo-sho' herbal. This species is not to be confused with the similarly named Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo'. From a photograpic perspective, the flowers often have the annoying habit of facing downward, making it necessary to photograph from below. Hence, the blue sky is seen in my photo. :-)

Historical Reference: Hibiscus hamabo, a deciduous plant of the order Malvaceae growing wild along the sea coasts in warm provinces. Its stem attains to a height of about 10 ft. Early in summer, it blooms at the top of the branches and in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are like those of cotton, with yellow petals, purple at the base. A strong fibre is got from the bark, and is used as a rope.

   Useful Plants of Japan: Described and Illustrated
   By Dai Nihon Nōkai
   Published by Agricultural Society of Japan, 1895

Talipariti tiliaceum

2009-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Talipariti tiliaceum | Mahoe, Beach Hibiscus, Sea Hibiscus, Coastal Cottonwood, Algodoeiro da Praia, Linden Hibiscus, 黄槿 Huang Jin

Talipariti tiliaceum is found on the shores of the Pacific and Indian oceans and is cultivated or naturalised throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is grown mainly as an ornamental tree for landscaping, although its wood, bark and flowers have been used for various purposes. It is known by several common names, including 'Cotton-tree' or 'Cottonwood' (Australia), 'Purau' (Tahiti), 'Vau' (Fiji), 'Hau' (Hawaii) and 'Mahoe'. Still widely known as Hibiscus tiliaceus, this species will eventually be known as Talipariti tiliaceum. A group of 22 closely related species in the genus Hibiscus (including Hibiscus tiliaceus), were reclassified by Malvaceae taxonomist Paul A. Fryxell into the new genus Talipariti.

Talipariti tiliaceum can attain a height of up to 8-10 m (26'-32') and can grow as wide if not pruned. In its natural range it can be found near watercourses, mangrove swamps and estuaries, frequently forming impenetrable thickets and covering very large areas along coastlines. It can withstands brackish water and is tolerant of salt spray, therefore it is an excellent species for coastal areas. The trees are very ornamental, with large heart-shaped leaves and dense foliage.

Historical Reference: But of all Australian species of Hibiscus, H. tiliaceus of the Richmond River, near the coast, and coastal Queensland, has received most attention as a fibre plant. It is found in most tropical countries. The fibre was used by the aborigines for nets and fishing- lines. Some fibre produced in this Colony was pronounced by the jurors of the London International Exhibition of 1862 to be only fit for paper-making. It must have been crudely prepared, as the tree produces a good fibre in many parts of the world. Three or four years ago the Department of Agriculture of Queensland sent to London some fibre from the Daintree River, for report. The fibre "was roughly prepared by boiling in soda-lye, and rubbing with an old sack." The report was, " Good colour, moderately soft, but of no great strength, and fit only for jute purposes. It would, however, probably sell in large quantities, and we estimate the value to-day at £12 to £14 per ton in London.

   The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales
   By New South Wales
   Vol. V. Part 1. January, 1894

Talipariti tiliaceum 'Variegata'

2009-03-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Talipariti tiliaceum 'Variegata' | Variegated Mahoe, Tricolor Hibiscus

The composite image at left shows leaves from a single tree ( taken at the same time). This striking variegated variety of Talipariti tiliaceum has large, multicolored leaves streaked with splashes of green and cream. Some leaves even turn a deep maroon color. Like the species, it grows as a shrubby, thicket-forming medium sized tree. Talipariti tiliaceum 'Variegata' is mainly grown for it's unusual foliage since it is reported to rarely flower in cultivation.

Still widely referred to as Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Variegata', the species will eventually be known as Talipariti tiliaceum. A group of 22 closely related species in the genus Hibiscus (including Hibiscus tiliaceus), were reclassified by Malvaceae taxonomist Paul A. Fryxell into the new genus Talipariti.

Thespesia grandiflora

2009-03-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Thespesia grandiflora (formerly known as Montezuma speciosissima and Maga grandiflora) is endemic to Puerto Rico. Originally found in humid forests near San Juan, (including El Yunque), it has been introduced to Florida and Hawaii, and as well as other countries of the Caribbean and South America. Although the Maga is commonly referred to as a “Hibiscus”, it belongs to a different genus than the common tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis).

Thespesia grandiflora grows to a height of 15m. It is grown both as an ornamental and for its wood. The leaves are heart-shaped, shiny green and range in size from 5cm to 20cm long. The Maga flower is the official flower of Puerto Rico. Trees begin flowering between 5-7 years of age. The dark-pink to red flowers are produced intermittently throughout the year in warm climates. After flowering, a seed capsule forms containing grayish brown seeds. Both the seed capsule and seeds are buoyant and can be carried long distances on ocean currents.

Historical Reference: The only species in this genus, Montezuma speciosissima, maga, with very large red flowers, is native in the moist limestone forest region of Puerto Rico. It has been planted extensively for ornament and shade in other parts of the island and has been introduced through the West Indies to southern Florida. Closely related to the genus Thespesia and named simultaneously T. grandiflora

   Rare and endemic trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
   Issue 27 of Conservation research report
   Published by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, 1980

Wercklea insignis

2009-02-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

Wercklea insignis | Costa Rica Teaselmallow, Burío, Clavelón de montaña, Panamá, Tabacón

Formerly Hibiscus wercklei. Closely related to Hibiscus, the genus Wercklea differs in that the bracts beneath its blooms form a three-lobed cup instead of being several and separate. Named after Carlo Wercklea, a 19th century Costa Rican botanical collector, Werklea insignis is listed as 'vulnerable' in its native Costa Rica and western Panama.

Wercklea insignis is a small tree 5 to 15m tall, with a cylindrical gray barked trunk that sounds hollow when it is struck. Leaf stalks to 20cm long, leaves are broadly heart to kidney shaped. The large trumpet-shaped flowers are lavender or pink and borne in winter or spring. This species can be found in moist forests, mostly above 1000m, principally on river banks or along gorges. Although there are 4 species of Wercklea in Costa Rica, Wercklea insignis is the only species with lavender (or pink) flowers.

Historical Reference: An endemic genus, composed of only two species. Dedicated to Carlos Werckl, genial, tireless, and enthusiastic explorer of the Costa Rican forests, a well informed student of the flora of his adopted land. Plentiful in the region of La Palma and La Hondura de San Jose, where it grows along the old cart road and on the banks of mountain streams, sometimes forming small, pure stands; noted also at Las Nubes, on the slopes of Irazu, but there less abundant; also in the region of San Ramon. Endemic. A beautiful and ornamental tree, planted in gardens at San Francisco de Guadalupe, and perhaps elsewhere. It is one of the most interesting and showy trees of Costa Rica, and, abounding as it does along the old cart road to the Atlantic coast, in some places with its branches extending over the road so as to brush a traveler on horseback, it is hard to understand why it was not collected 50 years ago or more, for it must have been seen by most of the botanists who have visited Costa Rica.

   Flora of Costa Rica, Part II
   Paul C. Standley
   October 20, 1937

Historical Reference: The tree grows in the humid forest at the summit of the mountains about La Palma, a region swept by the moist trade winds from the east. The surrounding trees are usually covered with lichens and other epiphytes, but the trunks of Wercklea are bare of such growths.

   Studies of tropical American phanerogams
   Paul C. Standley, 1914