Coastal hibiscus relative spotted thriving near Hawaiian state park
iNaturalist: sable30797
Native Plants
The yellow, hibiscus-like flowers you might spot near a Hawaiian shoreline could belong to the same tree Polynesian voyagers carried across the Pacific for its rot-resistant wood and healing sap.
Someone out walking near Heeia State Park in Hawaii spotted and photographed an Indian tulip tree, also called milo, and other naturalists confirmed the identification, making it 'research-grade' on iNaturalist. This coastal tree has hibiscus-like flowers that open yellow in the morning and fade to a deep reddish-purple by evening, and it's been part of Hawaiian culture for centuries as a source of wood and medicine.
Key Findings
Observation was verified and elevated to research-grade status through community identification consensus on iNaturalist
Location documented as Kamehameha Hwy near Heeia State Park, a coastal Oahu site
Species is Thespesia populnea, known locally as milo, a Malvaceae family tree historically introduced by Polynesian voyagers
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist logged a research-grade sighting of the Indian tulip tree, a coastal hibiscus relative, growing near Heeia State Park in Hawaii, adding a verified data point to the public record of where this species grows on Oahu.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Indian tulip tree (Thespesia populnea) observed in Kamehameha Hwy + Heeia State Park, Hawaii 96744, USA
Research-grade observation of Indian tulip tree in Kamehameha Hwy + Heeia State Park, Hawaii 96744, USA.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Thespesia populnea, commonly known as the portia tree, Pacific rosewood, Indian tulip tree, or milo, among other names, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is a tree found commonly on coasts around the world. Although it is confirmed to be native only to ...