Malvaceae (Hibiscus)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Hibiscus (tiliaceus)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Malvaceae

Family Common Name:
Mallow

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Hibiscus

Species:
tiliaceus

Scientific Classification:

Scientific SubSpecies:

Species Authority:
L.

Scientific SubAuthority:

Authors:

Common Synonym:

Genus:

Species:

Synonym Classification:

Synonym SubSpecies:

Species Authority:

Synonym SubAuthority:

Other Information:

Common Name:
beach hibiscus tree; beach mallow; hau (Hawaii); vau (Fiji); fau (Tonga, Samoa); 'au (Cooks); purau (Societies); fau; hau (Marquesas)

Species Code:

Ecotype:
coastal areas, riverbanks, lowlands and mesic forests 0 to 500 m elevation

General Distribution:
Classified as native to Pacific Islands including Hawaii, although in some areas it may be an aboriginal introduction. Now pantropical in distribution.

Known Invasiveness:
This species is widely introduced throughout other tropical regions of the world where it may be invasive in some areas and invasiveness outside its naturally occurring range is unknown.

Propagation Goal:
plants

Propagation Method:
seed

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:

Grow Time:
0

Target Specifications:
Height: 25 cm, stem diameter: 10 mm

Propagation Collection:
Flowers throughout the year. The fruit is a pointed capsule 2.5-3 cm long. Capsules should be collected from the tree, because at maturity capsules split open and release some of the seeds. Each capsule contains 5-15 seeds.

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:
Capsules are air-dried in a paper bag or other breathable container to prevent seeds from escaping when the capsules split. After a few days, seeds can be removed from capsules. Immediate scarification and sowing is recommended.

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Seeds are 3-5 mm long. They can be scarified by lightly nicking the seed coat with a knife or nail clippers. Other growers report scarifying seeds by rubbing them on 400 grit sandpaper. Germination is usually around 50%.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
A rain- and wind-protected but sunlit area (such as a cold-frame with clear film roof) is recommended for germination in trays. Germinate the seeds in trays filled with 1 part peat to 3 parts perlite or vermiculite. Warm, moist and light conditions are beneficial for optimum germination. After the germination and early establishment phase, full sun is used for growing out the individual seedlings in containers.

Ray Leach Super "Stubby" cells (14 cm deep, 3.8 cm diameter, available from Stuewe & Sons) are used. A well-drained media is recommended such as 33% Sunshine peat moss, 33% perlite, 33% vermiculite, amended with a little compost, dolomite lime, gypsum, and slow-release fertilizer such as osmocote 14-14-14. Potting media should also be inoculated with VAM (mycorrhizal fungi), available from commercial suppliers and garden centers.

Establishment Phase:
Scarified seeds will begin germinating in 2-4 weeks. Emergents are transplanted once they reach about 5 cm in height. When transplanted into their tubes, they are mulched with a thin layer of #2 poultry grit. Water with a fine-headed sprayer. Keep moist but not overwatered.

Length of Establishment Phase:
4 weeks

Active Growth Phase:
After about six weeks, seedlings may be double-spaced in the Ray Leach trays to ensure each seedling receives full sunlight, and to facilitate good stem development. If inoculation with VAM was successful, no additional fertilizer will be necessary. If inoculation was unsuccessful, a light top dressing of Gro-More 8-8-8 may be added as needed. If any weeds enter the soil-free media, they should be removed.

Length of Active Growth Phase:
4 months

Hardening Phase:
Hibiscus tiliaceous should be grown in full sun without overwatering, conditions which prepare the plants for outplanting.

Length of Hardening Phase:
2 weeks

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:
When seedlings have reached target size, they may be delivered to the planting site. Delivering the trees in their container will help protect the root from damage. Containers may be stood up in cardboard boxes, or delivered in trays. Seedlings must be protected from wind and excessive heat during transport, but refrigeration is not recommended. Empty containers and trays may be returned after the planting is complete.

Length of Storage:

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:
This tree is commonly propagated from cuttings, which root readily in the ground.

References:
Allen, J.A. 2002. Hibiscus tiliaceus. in: Vozzo, J.A. (Ed). Tropical Tree Seed Manual. USDA Agriculture Handbook 721.

Clarke, W.C. and R.R. Thaman. Agroforestry in the Pacific Islands: Systems for Sustainability. United Nations University Press, New York.

Little, Elbert L. and Roger G. Skolmen. 1989. Common Forest Trees of Hawai`i (Native and Introduced). United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 679.

Neal, M.C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu.

Citation:
Elevitch, Craig R.; Wilkinson, Kim M.. 2004. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Hibiscus tiliaceus L. plants Permanent Agriculture Resources Holualoa, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/24). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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