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

h arnottianus two white flowers
Photo courtesy of MNBG

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

 

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.

h arnottianus white flowers

Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

h arnottianus shrub

Photo credit: MNBG

h arnottianus white flower

Photo credit: MNBG

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