Plant Profile
Hibiscus waimeae
Aloalo, Kokiʻo kea, Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo
Main Plant Information
Genus
Hibiscus
Species
waimeae
Subspecies
- hannerae
- waimeae
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Aloalo
- Kokiʻo kea
- Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo
Hawaiian Names
- Aloalo
- Kokio kea
- Kokio keokeo
Common Names
- Kauaʻi white hibiscus
- White Kauaʻi rosemallow
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Shrub
- Tree
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Tall, Greater than 10
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
- Tree, Medium, 30 to 50
Mature Size, Width
Cultivated subsp. waimeae can be 20 ft. or more. But more likely around 8-10 ft. wide. The subspecies hannerae from 12 to 14 ft. [Michael DeMotta, National Tropical Botanical Garden]
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Container
- Hedges
- Screening
- Specimen Plant
Source of Fragrance
- Flowers
Additional Fragrance Information
Flowers may be unscented, weakly scented, or very fragrant.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Red
- White
Additional Flower Color Information
Flowers have a red center or staminal (stamen) column.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The plants may cease to bloom for a short period especially during the winter or early spring months.
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo is prone to sucking insects. The Chinese rose beetle can be removed by hand.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Fertilize this hibiscus using a 2-1-3 or 2-.5-3 ratio with minor elements. It is important to keep the phosphorus low because it tends to accumulate and prevents the nitrogen and potassium from working. Minor elements such as magnesium and iron are also important to maintain healthy green foliage. [1]
Pruning Information
While kokiʻo keʻokeʻo takes pruning well, it is best to prune only as needed. This beautiful shrub looks great in its natural free form with an occasional pruning of branches here and there to maintain shape. The subspecies hannerae may require very little or no pruning.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
The Kauaʻi white hibiscuses can generally tolerate less water than the Oʻahu white hibiscus ( Hibiscus arnottianus ).
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Subspecies hannerae seems to appreciate a little more shading than subspecies waimeae . [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Environmental Information
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Additional Habitat Information
These are Kauaʻi endemics. The subspecies waimeae is found in the western and southwestern valleys of Waimea Canyon, while subspecies hannerae is rare and found Hanakāpīʻai, Limahuli, and Kalihi Wai Valleys in northwestern part of the island.
Special Features and Information
General Information
The large Mallow family Malvaceae contains some 2,300 species, with notables such as okra, cacao, durian, baobab, kenaf, and cotton. [3]
There are perhaps as many as 300 species worldwide in the genus Hibiscus . There are six native species of hibiscuses in Hawaii and all but one are endemic.
Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo ( Hibiscus waimeae ) has two subspecies. The subspecies hannerae is federally listed as an endangered species. It is distinguished by the much larger leaves and smaller flowers than appear in subspecies waimeae .
The two native Hawaiian white hibiscuses, Hibiscus arnottianus and H. waimeae , are the only known species of hibiscuses in the world known to have fragrant flowers!
Early Hawaiian Use
Both native red and white hibiscuses were grown near their houses for their flowers. [2]
Additional References
[1] Jill Coryell, Hibiscus Lady
[2] “Native Planters in Old Hawaii–Their Life, Lore, & Environment” by E. S. Handy and Elizabeth green Handy, page 233.
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaceae [accessed 10/14/09]
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