Hibiscus tiliaceus
sea hibiscus
Tropical Indo-Pacific coasts including northern Australia
Overview
Hibiscus tiliaceus is an evergreen coastal tree or large shrub reaching 13-33 feet (4-10 m) tall, with a spreading, often crooked and low-branching crown sometimes wider than its height. The bark is grey and fissured, and the trunk frequently leans or sprawls. Leaves are alternate, broadly heart-shaped, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, dark green above and whitish-hairy beneath, on long stalks. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 2.4-4 inches (6-10 cm) across, with five overlapping petals that open bright yellow with a dark maroon centre and age through orange to red before falling, often within a single day. Flowering continues through much of the warm season. The fruit is a hairy capsule splitting into five segments to release seeds. The wood is light and the inner bark fibrous, used traditionally for cordage. The tree grows along estuaries, beaches, and tidal banks and tolerates salt, wind, and brief inundation. It can sucker and layer where low branches touch the ground, forming dense thickets.
Native Range
Hibiscus tiliaceus is native to tropical and subtropical coasts across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including northern and eastern Australia from Western Australia around to New South Wales. It grows on estuary banks, behind beaches, in mangrove margins, and along tidal streams, in sandy and muddy soils within reach of saltwater.Suggested Uses
Hibiscus tiliaceus is planted for coastal shade, foreshore stabilisation, and windbreaks in tropical and subtropical gardens and parks, spaced 13-20 feet (4-6 m) apart for screening. It grows near saltwater where few trees survive. The spreading and suckering habit limits its use in small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13' - 33'
Width/Spread16' - 33'
Bloom Information
Flowers appear through much of the warm season, mainly spring to autumn, and year-round in tropical areas. Each flower opens yellow in the morning, ages to orange and red, and falls by the end of the day or the next morning. New flowers open in succession, so the tree carries blooms of several colours at once.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to redFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight