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Lagunaria patersonia (syn. Hibiscus patersonii)
Lagunaria patersonia is an Australian native species that originates from Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, and parts of coastal Queensland. Although not endemic to the Central Coast of NSW, it has been nationalised in this area. Lagunaria is a genus in the family Malvaceae. It can grow to more than 20 metres tall, although this spotting was only half of that. Its rosy-pink and mauve coloured flowers fade to white with age and have a waxy texture, and are similar in appearance to a hibiscus, particularly the flower pistil and stigma. The seed pods contain sharp hairs that can irritate the skin. This is a very salt-tolerant species. PS: While Norfolk Island hibiscus and white oak are amongst the most common names, but there are a multitude of others. I've placed a Wikipedia link in the notes section.
This spotting was in the intertidal zone at the base of a coastal cliff, located at The Haven at Terrigal Beach on the NSW Central Coast.
Spotted on Dec 20, 2021
Submitted on Jan 9, 2022
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