Sea Hibiscus

Description:

a species of flowering tree, the flowers of H. tiliaceus are bright yellow with a deep red centre upon opening. Over the course of the day, the flowers deepen to orange and finally red before they fall. The branches of the tree often curve over time. . The specific epithet, "tiliaceus", refers to its resemblance to the related Tilia species. Its tough bark can be made into durable rope and for sealing cracks in boats. The bark and roots may be boiled to make a cooling tea to cool fevers, and its young leafy shoots may be eaten as vegetables. Common names include Sea Hibiscus, Beach Hibiscus, Coastal (or Coast) Cottonwood, Green Cottonwood, Native Hibiscus, Native Rosella, Cottonwood Hibiscus, Kurrajong, Sea Rosemallow, Norfolk Hibiscus, Hau (Hawaiian), and Purau (Tahitian)

Habitat:

found at elevations from sea level to 800 m (2,600 ft) in areas that receive 900–2,500 mm (35–98 in) of annual rainfall. It is commonly found growing on beaches, by rivers and in mangrove swamps. Sea Hibiscus is well adapted to grow in coastal environment in that it tolerates salt and waterlogging and can grow in quartz sand, coral sand, marl, limestone,and crushed basalt. It grows best in slightly acidic to alkaline soils (pH of 5-8.5)a common coastal plant in Eastern and Northern Australia, Oceania, Maldives and Southeast Asia. It is uncertain if the species is native to Hawaii, as it may have been introduced by the Polynesians.

Notes:

(Ornamental - Residential Area) Native to the Old World tropics. Conservation status: Secure ( G5 ) It has become naturalized in parts of the New World, such as Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is uncertain if the species is native to Hawaii, as it may have been introduced by the Polynesians.