In the Garden
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
Ma'ohauhele
(Hawaii's state flower)Latin name: Hibiscus brackenridgei In 1988, Hawaii changed its state flower from the native red hibiscus (Hibiscus kokio) to the ma'ohauhele, the only species of yellow hibiscus that can be called our state flower. This week, ma'ohauhele, as well as other native Hawaiian plants, will be available at both Home Depot stores on Oahu.
Description: Ma'ohauhele is a shrub that grows up to 10 feet, with maplelike leaves and bright yellow flowers. It varies in appearance among islands but generally falls into two subspecies: H. brackenridgei subspecies brackenridge of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island, and H. brackenridgei subspecies mokuleianus of Oahu and Kauai.
The most visible difference between the two subspecies is in the leaves and stems. The leaves of subspecies mokuleianus have more serrated margins and pink veins with tiny spines on the branches. Subspecies brackenridgei, on the other hand, has leaves with more rounded margins and yellow veins, and it lacks the tiny spines on its branches.
Recently, a variety of H. brackenridgei from Oahu's Makua Valley was discovered with characteristics of both subspecies. Its leaves resemble those of the subspecies brackenridgei but with pink veins like subspecies mokuleianus. Although it is from Oahu, it lacks the branch spines of subspecies mokuleianus. More work needs to be done to place this new plant into a more specific (or, rather, subspecific) category.
Distribution: This is an endangered species found in the dry to mesic forests of all main islands except Niihau (it was once reportedly collected from Kahoolawe).
Landscape uses and care: Does well in full sun to partial shade and needs very little water, although daily watering is OK. It is a fast grower and will flower about twice a year. Each flowering period lasts up to two months, with blooms occurring daily on a flowering stalk that rises above the plant.
Unlike most hibiscus, this plant doesn't do well as a hedge. It looks best as a specimen plant. Rose beetles may attack the leaves of ma'ohaohele at night. Planting it near a light source at night should help prevent this. Whiteflies may occasionally be found under the leaves, but any store-bought pesticide should solve that problem.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a Native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. "In the Garden" runs Fridays.
Gardening Calendar
In the Garden runs Fridays in Today.
