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Hibiscus Clayi

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Hibiscus Clayi taken by David Eickhoff
MiaKat25/Hibiscus clayi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
Class:
Magnoliopsida
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Hibiscus
Species:
H. Clayi

The Hibiscus Clayi, common names Clay's hibiscus[1], red Kauai rosemallow[2], and its Hawaiian name, Koki'o'ula, is a perennial angiosperm of the Malvaceae (mallow, hibiscus) family. [3]

Description

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The H. Clayi is a dense and upright shrub or small tree that grows to be about 10-15 feet tall. It is endemic to the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. Its leaves are smooth edged and shiny green. The H. Clayi produces dark red flowers with 2- 2.5 inch wide flaring petals that are held near the ends of the branches. On the island of Kauai, the H. Clayi flowers bloom all year round. [4]

Human Use

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The genus Hibiscus can be used medicinally. For example, the H. sabdariffa is rich in antibiotics and can protect the immune system with them. It can also fight inflammation, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, promote weight loss, fight bacteria, and support liver health. [5] The hibiscus is also known to alleviate stomach issues, stimulate appetite, and relief from common cold symptoms. [6] Ancient Hawaiians used the Hibiscus as medicine. The buds and leaves were used a as gentle laxative, even for children. It was mashed into a juice and mixed in with other plants. This was to purify the blood and it was also believed that its properties could make a weak child strong.[7]

Cultural Significance

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The H. brackenridgei, or the yellow hibiscus, is a flower that holds extreme significance to the state of Hawai'i. The yellow hibiscus is the state flower, and represents the beauty, culture, and spirit that is Hawai'i. The S. Fallax, golden mallow, or 'Ilima is the native flower of the island of Oahu and is also a member of the hibiscus family. [8] Throughout the islands, the hibiscus is seen in gardens, landscapes, and patterns on traditional attire. [9]

Threats

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The Nounou Mountains of Kaua'i hold all four of the trees known to still exist. The threats that endanger the H. clayi species are competition with alien plants, close proximity to hiking trails, making them prone to disturbance, pigs, and limited reproduction due to the low population in the wild. [10] Cattle and pigs have grazed on the H. Clayi, causing a significant amount of damage to the H. clayi population, which has ultimately led to its decline. [11]

Conservation Efforts

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In order to conserve these plants, suitable habitats should be identified for relocation. Protection of the remaining H. clayi should be looked into like a plant sanctuary. [12] In the near future, the remaining H. clayi should be protected and establish new populations of it to reduce the risk of extinction. Augmentation of the wild populations and growing new populations in a safe area is another conservation effort that can be made. [13] The University of Hawaii at Leeward Community College has a native garden that grows endangered species of plants, and the H. Clayi is one of them. There are several H. Clayi plants there and they are doing well.

References

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  1. ^ "Clay's Hibiscus (Hibiscus clayi) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". www.fws.gov. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  2. ^ "Clay's Hibiscus (Hibiscus clayi) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". www.fws.gov. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  3. ^ "Clay's Hibiscus / Center For Plant Conservation". Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  4. ^ "Hibiscus clayi, Red Kauai Rosemallow, Shrub, [Hibiscus newhousei]". www.smgrowers.com. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  5. ^ "7 Benefits of Hibiscus Tea". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  6. ^ "The Hibiscus: A Guide to Hawaii's State Flower". Koloa Zipline. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  7. ^ "The colorful flower and symbol of Hawaii is good for more than just decoration". BYUH Ke Alaka'i. 2021-06-17. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  8. ^ "'Ilima - Sida Fallax". Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative. 11/16/2024. Retrieved 11/16/2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= and |date= (help)
  9. ^ "The Hibiscus: A Guide to Hawaii's State Flower". Koloa Zipline. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  10. ^ "Plants - Hibiscus Clayi" (PDF). The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Retrieved 10/25/2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  11. ^ "Hibiscus clayi, Red Kauai Rosemallow, Shrub, [Hibiscus newhousei]". www.smgrowers.com. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  12. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  13. ^ "Plants - Hibiscus Clayi" (PDF). The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Retrieved 10/25/2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)