Red Leaf Hau, Sea Hibiscus

Description:

Hibiscus tiliaceus can attain a height of up to 8-10 m (26'-32') and can grow just as wide if not pruned. It is a common tree along the coast in its native and naturalised ranges, and in the wild it is found near watercourses, mangrove swamps and estuaries, frequently forming impenetrable thickets and covering very large areas along coastlines. It is therefore particularly suitable for sandy and moist soils, although it will also grow well under drier conditions and in a variety of soils. It can also stand brackish water and is tolerant of salt spray, and therefore it is an excellent species for coastal areas.

Habitat:

Near shore at Kualoa Regional Park.

Notes:

Hau has a nutritious leaf and flower. It makes excellent mulch and was favored for old Hawaiian Lo‘i kalo (taro patches) The Hawaiians had many many uses for hau: buds are medicinal and were taken as an aid to childbirth, as well as a laxative. The leaves make great desert plates at an elegant luau (and you can compost them into the garden when the feast is pau). The wood is soft lightweight and easily carved. Net floats, ama or canoe outriggers, puppets and various fishing tools were made from hau. The bark is stringy and fibrous and was used for lashing and cordage. Hau flowers can tell you what time of day it is: The yellow, hibiscus like flowers of hau open as a clear yellow in the morning. By midday they turn orange and at the end of the day they are red. The red flowers drop to the ground in a beautiful display the next morning.