Koki`o ke`oke`o

There are two species of Koki`o ke`oke`o. One can only be found on the island of Kaua`i, and the other only on the islands of O`ahu and Moloka`i. The O`ahu subspecies is also known as "Punaluu white." In the Hawaiian language, ke`oke`o means "white" - the color of this native flower.

Koki`o ke`oke`o is characterized by its large vegetative parts and robust growth. It can reach more than 10 feet in height, making it the tallest of all the native hibiscuses. The bark of the shrub is rough. The smooth green leaves have a slightly serrated edge and are about 4 to 5 inches long. Of all the species of hibiscus, only the Koki`o ke`oke`o flower has a light fragrance. The flowers are large and white with slightly ruffled petals with a pink to red stamen. The flowers last just two days after blooming.

Koki`o ke`oke`o can be found in mesic and wet forests. It likes full sun.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Leaves were used as a purgative
• Flowers were used in the treatment of childhood diseases