Hibiscus arnottianus
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Hibiscus arnottianus |
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Hibiscus arnottianus is aspecies of the genus Hibiscus ( Hibiscus ) endemic to Hawaii . The variety Hibiscus arnottianus var. Immaculatus with a completely white flower is threatened with extinction and the rarest variety within the genus.
description
Hibiscus arnottianus grows as an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that usually reaches heights of 4.5 to 6 meters, but rarely up to 10 meters. These large specimens then reach a crown diameter of about 6 meters. The alternate leaves arranged on the branches are divided into a petiole and a leaf blade. The red leaf veins and stems that can often be observed are characteristic . The leathery, dark green, simple leaf blades are oval with a length of 10 to 15 centimeters. The top of the sheet is smoother than the bottom. The leaf margin is smooth or slightly serrated.
The flowers are individually terminal on the branches. The slightly fragrant flowers are shaped like a windmill with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters. The stamen tube, called columna , is long and pink to red, only in the variety Hibiscus arnottianus var. Immaculatus is it white. The petals are mostly white, sometimes they are slightly pink or become pale pink with age.
Occurrence
The endangered species Hibiscus arnottianus is endemic to Hawaii . It is native to the damp to wet forests on the mountains of the islands of Molokai and Oahu . The variety Hibiscus arnottianus var. Arnottianus grows at altitudes between 130 and 750 meters on Oʻahu, Hibiscus arnottianus var. Immaculatus can only be found in some valleys on Molokai, Hibiscus arnottianus var. Punaluuensis grows in the Ko'olau Mountains at altitudes between 200 and 660 meters.
Systematics
The first publication of Hibiscus arnottianus was made in 1854 by Asa Gray in United States Exploring Expedition. During the years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842. Under the Command of Charles Wilkes, USN vol. XV. Botany. Phanerogamia by Asa Gray with a Folia Atlas of 100 Plates. Part 1. Philadelphia , Volume 15, p. 176.
In the species Hibiscus arnottianus , three varieties are distinguished:
- Hibiscus arnottianus A. Gray var. Arnottianus
- Hibiscus arnottianus var. Immaculatus (Roe) DMBates
- Hibiscus arnottianus var. Punaluuensis Skottsb.
use
Hibiscus arnottianus is also suitable as an ornamental plant . There are also cultural forms such as 'Kanani Kea' and 'Shy Girl'.
swell
- Hibiscus arnottianus in the Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database, 2001 (section description, occurrence and systematics)
- Fred D. Rauch, Heidi L. Bornhorst, Rhonda Stibbe & David Hensley: Oahu White Hibiscus at Cooperative Extension Service Ornamentals and Flowers , June 1997 (section description, occurrence, use and systematics; PDF; 55 kB)
