Koki‘o ‘ula‘ula (Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnnianus)

Photo courtesy of MNBG

Hawaiian name: Koki‘o ‘ula (koki‘o, koki‘o ‘ula‘ula, mākū)
Botanical name: Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Status: Endemic, Rare
Where found: Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Full sun/part shade, dry to moderately wet
Elevation range: 450 to 3,300 feet
Height: 10 to 20 feet, with a 10 foot spread

This species of koki‘o ‘ula is native to northwestern Kaua'i, but can be seen growing at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. It was named for famous botanist, Harold St. John, a much loved professor at the University of Hawai'i. Flowers of this species can range from orange to red or, a more rare, yellow. In Early Hawai‘i, koki‘o ‘ula was added to a medicinal remedy consumed to purify the blood. The leaves were also chewed and swallowed as a laxative, and the seeds were used to strengthen a weakened child. Koki‘o ‘ula is drought tolerant