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Hawaiian Hibicus FlowerThe genus Hibiscus is a very prolific one and includes about 200 species, 7 of which are regarded as native Hawaiian Hibiscus Flowers. The Hawaiian hibiscus is a shrub or small tree that is very hardy when in its native habitat. These shrubs bear blooms on almost every day but these blossoms last only for a day even when they are on the bush. The plants have a typical deep green leaf that is pointy and ridged at the margins. The Hibiscus varieties that are found popularly in Hawaii include: |
1) Hibiscus arnottionus: This is an endemic species of the hibiscus, carrying white blossoms. There are 3 subspecies in this variety, one of which - the H.a.Immaculatus, is very rare and is in the endangered species list. These species are sometimes planted as ornamental flowers.
2) Hibiscus brackenridgei: This is a tall shrub with yellow blossoms. The flowers are full, conspicuously large and bright yellow with a prominent staminal tube surrounding the long and slender style. There are 2 subspecies in this group also. The yellow flower that comes under this species is the official state flower of Hawaii. This has become endangered in its natural habitat, though it is a moderately popular ornamental flower in Hawaii.
3) Hibiscus clayi: This is an endemic shrub and can almost be considered to be a small tree. These shrubs bear bright red flowers.
4) Hibiscus furcellatos: This is a pink colored hibiscus flower and is typically found in low and marshy areas. It is generally found in West Indies, Florida, South and Central America and Hawaii. A closely related specie is the Hibiscus kokio, which is a small tree with red to orangish flowers. Sometimes these hibiscus flowers are also yellow in color. This species is not listed and is considered to be extremely rare.
5) Hibiscus waimeae: This is a gray-barked tree that carries white blossoms that fade into a pink color by evening.
The hibiscus flower inclusive of all its colors and varieties was the official Territirial flower of Hawaii since the 1920s. But when Hawaii attained its statehood in 1959, many of the typical symbols were adopted into the Hawaiian Statutes. But the yellow hibiscus flower was selected to represent Hawaii in 1988 only. That is why many posters and pictures that belonged to the Hawaii before this period often show flowers that are in different hues ranging from red to pink and orange.
Today the Hibiscus brackenbridgei, which is widely acknowledged as the state flower of Hawaii, is an endangered plant. The threats these plants face come from such varied factors like overgrazing by livestock and feral animals to development of forests and lack of space for greenery. Competition from invasive weeds has also significantly reduced the number of the Hawaiian hibiscus flowers in their natural habitats. Currently, it is considered that there are less than 60 plants in the 8 populations that are still remaining in the island. Ardent hibiscus enthusiasts are taking measures like weed control and strictly protected enclosures to grow the hibiscus. Fencing to exclude wild life and destructive animals is another effective measure to keep the Hawaiian hibiscus flower alive. Preservation of the remaining habitats and conservation of plants and seeds by keeping these safe in botanical gardens and seed banks are some more important steps that are being taken. However, as of now the Hawaiian hibiscus is very much in the endangered species list. Its beautiful yellow blossoms are a delight to behold, and let us hope that the attempts to preserve and propagate these plants prove successful.
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hawaiian hibiscus flower