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 Family Malvaceae

INDIGENOUS or POLYNESIAN INTRODUCTION

Talipariti tiliaceus 

Ho'omaluhia BG, Kaneohe, Oahu

 

Variegated, Kihei, Maui

 

Pure yellow, Makai Pier, Waimanalo, Oahu

Pure yellow, Makai Pier, Waimanalo, Oahu

 

Wahiawa BG, Oahu

Variegated, Wahiawa BG, Oahu

HAU   BEACH or SEA HIBISCUS

Common tree in wet coastal & inland habitats.  Sprawling branches form impenetrable thickets.  Flowers typically have dark red center, petals fading orange by afternoon, an ornamental cultivar has variegated leaves.  Lightweight wood & strong fiber was used by Hawaiians, lending some to believe it was brought here by early settlers.  Tropical & subtropical regions of the Old World & the Pacific.  Formerly known as Hibiscus tiliaceus.  Replaced by Talipariti pernambucensis in the New World, with less hairy leaves and flowers without red centers.