Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus - Kapina Lansdale | Big Island Real Estate (2024)

Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus

BY KAPINA LANSDALE

Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus - Kapina Lansdale | Big Island Real Estate (1)

There are seven species of hibiscus native to Hawaii. Yellow hibiscus grows on all Hawaiian Islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe. All three subspecies of the yellow hibiscus are listed as endangered species.

Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus - Kapina Lansdale | Big Island Real Estate (2)

The yellow hibiscus flower was declared the official state flower in 1988.

Hawaiian Hibiscus State Flower

The territory of Hawaii named the hibiscus flower the official flower of Hawaii in 1923. Some considered the native red or Chinese red hibiscus the official flower until Hawaii’s legislature declared the yellow hibiscus the state flower in 1988.

Alternative Names

This striking and beautiful yellow hibiscus is also known as Ma’o hau hele, meaning “green traveling introduced hibiscus”. A bit deceptive because the flower is yellow, however, the flower turns green as they die.

Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus - Kapina Lansdale | Big Island Real Estate (3)

Features + Characteristics

Although categorized as a shrub, it can grow up to 30 feet tall. Its large yellow flowers grow 4-6 inches in diameter, typically opening between 2pm and 4pm and close again between 9am and 1pm.

Survival

Predators such as goats, cattle, and pigs threaten the remaining yellow hibiscus plants in Hawaii. Other threats include alien plant species and urban development. Fire and other naturally occurring events in the past have also greatly reduced the number of plants. In 2007, a fire devastated the island of Oahu and destroyed 85% of the yellow hibiscus on the island.

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Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus - Kapina Lansdale | Big Island Real Estate (2024)

FAQs

Interesting Facts About the Yellow Hibiscus - Kapina Lansdale | Big Island Real Estate? ›

BY KAPINA LANSDALE

What are some interesting facts about yellow hibiscus? ›

The flowers have many health benefits: hibiscus is high in vitamin C and reported to help lower blood pressure. You can use hibiscus to make paper. Hibiscus flowers also attract beautiful butterflies and and bees, of course.

What are some interesting facts about hibiscus plants? ›

Hibiscus flowers can be made into tea, which is a good source of Vitamin C. And the flowers last only a day or two. It's hard to keep up on it, but try to remove spent flowers promptly to encourage more blooms throughout the summer season. There are over 200 varieties of hibiscus worldwide!

What does the yellow hibiscus symbolize in Hawaii? ›

Also known as pua aloalo in Hawaiian, the hibiscus represents royalty and communicated power and respect. Native to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hibiscus brackenridgei is endangered, so if you encounter one, be sure to treat the plant with care.

Are yellow hibiscus rare? ›

The yellow Hawaiian hibiscus is found only in Hawaii. While it grows on all the main Hawaiian islands, it is extremely rare. Because there are so few remaining in the wild, it is considered an endangered species.

How long do yellow hibiscus live? ›

How long do tropical hibiscus plants live? A. Some of the older garden varieties have been known to live for 50 years or more. Some of the newer hybrids may have lifespans of 5-10 years.

What is the yellow hibiscus known for? ›

Ma'o hau hele is known best for its vibrant yellow flowers. Hawaiians extract a blue-gray kapa dye from these flowers. When Hibiscus was named the official flower of the Territory of Hawaii by the Legislature in 1923, the exact variety or species was not specified.

How long does hibiscus live? ›

Hibiscuses may live up to ten years when using fourteen inch pots. Make sure not to over-water, try to keep your plant on the dry side. There plants like humid weather, so it is beneficial to mist the leaves daily, or use a humidifier.

Do hibiscus grow fast? ›

Native to Asia, tropical hibiscus plants produce flowers constantly, but each blossom only lasts one day. The shrub is fast-growing and can add up to 24 inches per year, eventually reaching heights of up 15 feet when growing under the ideal conditions.

Why is hibiscus special? ›

Hibiscus leaves and flowers may have beneficial properties for hair health. It might be helpful in circulating the blood to hair follicles. The leaves and flowers of hibiscus contain natural pigments, antioxidants and vitamins that might be useful for hair health.

What does 🌺 mean in Hawaii? ›

A 🌺 emoji is tied with Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures.

The yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii; however, the red hibiscus was featured as the state's flower for over 60 years. Because of this, hibiscuses are often associated with the Hawaiian islands and their culture.

Can you eat yellow hibiscus? ›

Although sometimes grown for strictly ornamental purposes, hibiscus is also well known for its culinary and medicinal applications. You can eat the flower straight from the plant, but it is usually used for tea, relishes, jam or salads.

What does yellow hibiscus smell like? ›

We've paired this yellow goddess with the juicy freshness of a rose at dawn, twinkling with drops of dew on its rich, velvet petals. All of which is cut through with the juiciness of lime, to bring a zesty brightness to this light, solar floral scent.

How tall does the yellow hibiscus grow? ›

The yellow hibiscus ranges in size from a small 2- to 6-foot-tall shrub to a larger 15- to 30-foot-tall tree. The mature plant has a spread of 8 to 10 feet, notes Native Plants Hawaii.

Can yellow hibiscus survive winter? ›

In a cold climate where heating costs are very high, most hibiscus can survive if temperatures stay at or above 35°F (2°C), but warmer is better. If you can afford to keep your greenhouse at or above 40°F (5°C), it will be much better for hibiscus.

What are yellow hibiscus called? ›

Names. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Maʻo hau hele. Common: Native yellow hibiscus or Mokulēʻia rosemallow. Scientific: Hibiscus brackenridgei.

Is yellow hibiscus edible? ›

Although sometimes grown for strictly ornamental purposes, hibiscus is also well known for its culinary and medicinal applications. You can eat the flower straight from the plant, but it is usually used for tea, relishes, jam or salads.

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