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Hibiscus insularis

This species, along with the rest of the island's vegetation, was under threat due to grazing by pigs, goats and rabbits. The removal of these feral animals has led to the regeneration of the population with seedlings surviving next to the original plants.

It has tiny, neat leaves and a densely branching form, making it a perfect garden plant. It is evergreen, disease-free and tolerates wind and full sunshine or partial shade. These characteristics make it a good hedging plant.

This species is listed as Critically Endangered under Australian federal environment legislation.

Common namePhillip Island hibiscus
Scientific nameHibiscus insularis Endl.
FamilyMalvaceae
Etymology

Genus: Greek, hibiskos, a name accorded by Greek philosophers to the marshmallow, Althea officianalis. Supposedly this plant was sacred to the Egyptian god Ibis.

Species: Latin, insula, island; pertaining to islands.

DistributionThe last remaining wild plants of this species were restricted to two patches on Phillip Island, south of Norfolk Island, by the late 1980s.
DescriptionA large shrub or small tree to 2.5 m high. It has pale yellow flowers with a greenish tinge, which turn mauve on fading.
Flowering/fruitingWill flower for about 10 months of the year providing it's in a frost free environment.
Location in gardenYou can see it in Bed 3 in the Connections Garden and also in the Fruit Loop.
Garden ExplorerView Hibiscus insularis on Garden Explorer