Hibiscus & Malvaceae: Hibiscus boryanusHibiscus 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

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hibiscus boryanus

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.

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• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hibiscus boryanus

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