Hibiscus Waimea

Hibiscus waimeae is an endemic Hawai'ian plant, or a small, gray-barked tree up to 30 feet tall. The round or oval leaves are 2 to 7 inches long and 1 to 5 inches wide. The upper surface of the leaves is light green while the lower surface is covered with velvety hairs which makes the leaves appear grayish. The large, single flowers last only one day. They are white when they open in the morning and they fade to pink in the afternoon. The flowers occur towards the ends of the branches and have a strong, sweet fragrance. The staminal column is pink to crimson.

Hibiscus waimeae is found from Waimea Canyon to the western and southwestern ocean-facing valleys of Kaua'i at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

Traditional Cultural Uses

• This ornamental plant has been used mostly for landscaping