Koki‘o ke‘o ke‘o (Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. arnottianus)

Hawaiian name: Koki‘o ke‘oke‘o
Botanical name: Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. arnottianus
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Status: Endemic
Where found: O‘ahu
Water/Light: Full sun, moderately wet
Elevation range: 360 – 2,400 feet
Height: About 15 to 20 feet

Photo: MNBG

Notes: This Wai‘anae and Ko‘olau mountain species have faintly fragrant, huge white flowers with red stamens. The white flowers may change to pink, especially towards the end of the day. Hawaiian white hibiscus species are reputed to be the only scented hibiscus in the world. Flowers have the most scent in the early morning when opening, or in the early evening before they close. This native is drought tolerant.

From Work Done by Whit Germano to Catalog Native Hawaiian Plants
MNBG

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A Few Native Hawaiian Plants from the MNBG Collection