White Kauai rosemallow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White Kauai rosemallow |
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| Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae | |
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Hibiscus
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| Species: |
waimeae
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The Hibiscus waimeae is a special kind of flowering plant found only on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii. People also call it the white Kauai rosemallow. In Hawaiian, it's known as kokiʻo keʻokeʻo or kokiʻo kea. This plant is a small tree with gray bark. Its flowers are unique because they start out white and then change to pink later in the day. Each flower only lasts for one day!
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Meet the White Kauai Hibiscus
This amazing plant can grow to be about 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet) tall. Its trunk can be around 0.3 meters (1 foot) wide. The Hibiscus waimeae is part of the okra family, which is called Malvaceae. It's one of only two Hawaiian hibiscus types that have white flowers. The other one is H. arnottianus, found on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi.
Where it Grows
You can find the Hibiscus waimeae in different kinds of forests on Kauaʻi. It likes coastal mesic forests, mixed mesic forests, and wet forests. These forests are usually found at elevations from about 250 to 1200 meters (820 to 3,900 feet) above sea level.
Different Kinds of White Kauai Hibiscus
There are two main types, or subspecies, of Hibiscus waimeae. They are found in different parts of Kauaʻi.
H. waimeae subsp. waimeae
This type of white Kauai hibiscus grows in the western and southwestern areas of the island. You can see it in the Waimea Canyon area. It also grows in valleys that face the ocean.
H. waimeae subsp. hannerae
This subspecies is much rarer. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists it as an endangered plant. This means it needs special protection to survive. You can find H. waimeae subsp. hannerae in the northwestern part of Kauaʻi. It grows in the Hanakapiʻai, Limahuli, and Kalihi Wai valleys.
See also
In Spanish: Hibiscus waimeae para niños
