Hawaii State Flower Information
The brilliant yellow Hawaiian hibiscus is the official state flower of the United States' 50th state. The flower typically blooms year round, with peak displays showing from spring through early summer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Official Naming
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While hibiscus of all colors and variety were adopted as the Territorial Flower of Hawaii in the 1920s, the native yellow Hawaiian hibiscus was not named the official state flower until June 6, 1988.
Bright Color
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The official state flower of Hawaii is brilliant yellow with a deep maroon center. The hibiscus is native to the Pacific islands that make up the Aloha State. The blossoms form in small clusters or as a single flower at the ends of branches, with a prominent pistil and stamens. The Hawaiian yellow hibiscus is the only species of yellow hibiscus native to Hawaii.
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Native Name
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The yellow Hawaiian hibiscus is known as the Pua Aloalo or Ma'o Hau Hele in the Hawaiian language.
Size
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The Hawaiian hibiscus shrub can grow to a height of up to 15 feet, with branches reaching out just as far. The bright yellow blooms are conspicuously large, growing to sizes of up to 6 inches in diameter. The petals open only between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
An Island Native
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The yellow Hawaiian hibiscus claims a natural habitat on all of the Aloha State's main islands except Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe, but the plant is not necessarily common in any particular location. The Hawaiian hibiscus can be grown from cuttings off a mature plant with the aid of rooting hormones.
An Endangered Species
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According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, only a scattering of 60 plants of the yellow Hawaiian hibiscus remains extant in the wild. Declared an endangered species due to habitat loss, predation and wildfires in 1994, the plant is still struggling for survival in the 21st century, The aforementioned propagation method is becoming a widely used preservation tool in keeping Hawaii's state flower alive and well.
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References
- Photo Credit Yellow hibiscus image by Lisa Tilton from Fotolia.com
