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In The Garden
Guest Writers
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Endemic pink hibiscus hails from Kauai
Description and distribution: The subspecies mentioned above is highly variable, having many different forms on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and possibly Hawaii. Generally, each has dark green, glossy leaves with serrated margins and a pointed apex. The flowers are usually red and measure only about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
Mount Kahili Hibiscus / Koki'o 'Ula
Hibiscus kokio subsp. kokio
Hawaii's native "pink" hibiscus
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This particular form, however, often referred to as Hibiscus kahilii, from Mount Kahili on Kauai, is much different. It has less glossy leaves, more lobed serrations on the margins and a rounded apex (young plants have pointed apexes that usually become rounded as they mature). The leaves cluster toward the stem tips, which adds to this plant's nice shape. The most striking feature of this form is its flower, which varies from a dark reddish pink to bright light pink.
Landscape use and care: Compared with most hibiscuses, this one grows slowly and is best adapted to moist areas. Few pests bother this plant. Whiteflies will occasionally appear under its leaves, and aphids might appear on leaf and flower buds. Both pests can be controlled with store-bought pesticides.
If you are fortunate enough to come across this plant at a sale or store, it will make the perfect addition to your garden. I suggest planting it as a specimen plant rather than a hedge because of its growth habits and unique beauty. Well-drained, rich soil in full to partial sun is best for this plant.
Cultural use: Like most other native hibiscus, the flowers of this plant are eaten as a mild laxative and are occasionally used in leis.
Also: This is the only endemic "pink" hibiscus in Hawaii and is quite rare because it hails from a small population of plants on Kauai. There is another indigenous hibiscus (Hibiscus furcellatus), which has large pink-purple flowers. All other pink hibiscus plants are usually hybrids that are not native to Hawaii.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. Contact him at 259-6580 or e-mail
rickbarboza@aol.com.