Yellow Hawaiian Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is the state flower of Hawaii. Hawaiian hibiscus is a moderately popular ornamental flower in Hawaii. Hawaiian hibiscus shrubs bear blooms almost every day, but the blossoms last only for a day even when on the bush.
The striking and beautiful yellow Hawaiian hibiscus is also known as the pua aloalo or ma’o hau hele in the Hawaiian language.
Although, the hibiscus (a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms) is associated with the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean and the plant family Malvaceae includes a variety of species that are native to the Hawaiian Islands, those flowers regularly observed are generally not the native hibiscus flowers.
The Hawaiian hibiscus flowers are full, conspicuously large and bright yellow with a prominent staminal tube surrounding the long and slender style. There are 2 subspecies in the Hawaiian hibiscus group. The yellow Hawaiian hibiscus flower that comes under this species is the official state flower of Hawaii.
The large Hawaiian hibiscus flowers are 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Hawaiian hibiscus are yellow, generally with a maroon center, and form singly or in small clusters at the ends of the branches.The staminal column of the Hawaiian hibiscus flowers is yellow, and the flowers open between 2 and 4 p.m. and close between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.The Hawaiian hibiscus has become endangered in its natural habitat.
Facts About Hawaiian hibiscus
Hawaiian hibiscus shrub grows to a height of 3 to 15 feet tall with a diameter of 8 to 15 feet. Young Hawaiian hibiscus plants have smooth tan trunks; the trunks of older plants have a wrinkled appearance.
Hawaiian hibiscus flowers are found on all the main Hawaiian islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe, but the flowers are not common in any location.
Hawaii changed its state flower from the native red hibiscus (Hibiscus kokio),on June 6, 1988, to the Hawaiian hibiscus – ma’o hau hele, the only species of yellow hibiscus.
The leaves on Hawaiian hibiscus have toothed edges, 3, 5, or 7 lobes, and are up to 6 inches long and equally wide.
The seeds of Hawaiian hibiscus are contained in 3/8 to 3/4 inch oval capsules. The capsule is covered with soft hairs. It is dry and tan when mature and opens to release the seeds. The seeds are 1/8 inch long, kidney-shaped, and covered with fine hairs.
Hawaiian hibiscus flower plants can be grown from cuttings if rooting hormones are used.
Hawaiian hibiscus bloom from spring through early summer with occasional flowers during the rest of the year.