Home > Plants > Malvaceae > Hibiscus tiliaceus

Updated 10/14/2023

 Family Malvaceae

INDIGENOUS or POLYNESIAN INTRODUCTION

Hibiscus tiliaceus 

Ho'omaluhia BG, Kaneohe, Oahu

 

Variegated, Kihei, Maui

 

Pure yellow, Makai Pier, Waimanalo, Oahu

Pure yellow, Makai Pier, Waimanalo, Oahu

 

Wahiawa BG, Oahu

Variegated, Wahiawa BG, Oahu

 



Pololu Valley, Hawai'i


Pololu Valley, Hawai'i
 

HAU   BEACH or SEA HIBISCUS

Common tree in wet coastal & inland habitats.  Sprawling branches form impenetrable thickets.  Flowers typically have dark red center, petals fading orange by afternoon.  Leaves are normally thin and heart-shaped with white hairs below, but cultivated varieties may have leaves that are variegated, triple-lobed, or small and glossy.  Lightweight wood & strong fiber was used by Hawaiians, lending some to believe it was brought here by early settlers.  Tropical & subtropical regions of the Old World & the Pacific.  Formerly known as Talipariti tiliaceus.