Hibiscus & Malvaceae: Hibiscus kokioHibiscus malvaceae

• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

CULTIVATION • CONSERVATION • EDUCATION

Hibiscus and other Malvaceae: The genus Hibiscus is part of the Malvaceae, a taxonomic family that comprises thousands of species. Some members of this family possess considerable economic value, such as some Gossypium species (Cotton), while others are used as food sources, such as Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), used in jams and teas. Some species are used as fiber sources for jute and rope making, like Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf), and various Corchorus species (Jute). From times past (but perhaps to a lesser degree now), others supplied durable timber for woodworking, like some Talipariti and Thespesia species, and Hibiscus campylosiphon, an impressive tree from the Philippines.

Despite the undeniable value of the above-mentioned species, the worldwide fascination with the Malvaceae is credited to the unparalleled popularity of one of this family's most ornamental members, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars are the result of crosses (both ancient and modern) between a limited number of species (from Lilibiscus ―a section of the genus Hibiscus containing about 10 species), the majority coming from the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific. This complex hybrid group was derived from a number of species that included most if not all of the following: Hibiscus arnottianus, Hibiscus boryanus, Hibiscus denisonii, Hibiscus fragilis, Hibiscus genevii, Hibiscus kokio, Hibiscus liliiflorus, Hibiscus schizopetalus, and Hibiscus storckii. Sadly, nearly all of these (as well as numerous other Malvaceae species) are now considered extinct or facing extinction in their natural habitats. For additional information on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars, go to the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis page.

The biological diversity (biodiversity) of our planet is rapidly decreasing in great part due to the direct and indirect consequences of human activity. Ironically, it is also through human activity and intervention that threatened and endangered species are offered their best chances for survival. Thankfully, in recent years, there has been increasing awareness regarding the profound importance of earth's biodiversity linked with the critically urgent necessity for human action to safeguard it. In the Biblical book of Genesis, we read "and the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it", (Gen 2:15), conferring on humankind a role as Earth's primary caretaker. This 'tending, guarding and keeping' is best defined as having responsibility for the care and protection of the earth (stewardship), and affirms our commission for the wellbeing of this planet's vast community of life. Ultimately, stewardship of the earth, and conservation of its ecosystems is the responsibility of all people, not merely that of national governments.

The main strategies for conserving species are commonly referred to as ex situ conservation (out of the natural habitat) and in situ conservation (within the natural habitat). Ex situ conservation is accomplished through the efforts of botanical gardens, educational institutions, private gardens, and even seed banks. Although ex situ conservation is regarded as complementary to in situ conservation, in some situations it is the only option, ―the last resort when in situ conservation is no longer possible due to habitat loss and destruction. Some of the plants presented on these pages have suffered that fate and are currently classified as extinct, threatened or endangered in their natural habitats. In order to ensure their continued survival, an applied approach of 'cultivation, conservation and education' must be promoted. It is for this purpose that the entries found on this site are offered. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, especially in regard to errors.

Concerning the Historical References listed throughout these pages, please keep in mind that portions of the infomation presented may be outdated or incorrect. In addition, any dietary or medical information should be regarded as anecdotal. These references are included simply because they offer a glimpse of the horticultural history that is attached to many of these extraordinary plants. ―GB

Friday, December 18, 2009

Hibiscus kokio

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

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• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

Friday, December 18, 2009

Hibiscus kokio

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