Akiahala or akiohala (Hibiscus furcellatus)Malvaceae (Mallow family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii)Oahu (Cultivated)This species grows to maturity in a few months!Flower fully openedwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5112678927/in/photolist-...Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5113280636/in/photostream/Early Hawaiians used these flowers medicinally. The bases of the buds of some native hibiscuses (H. arnottianus, H. furcellatus) were chewed by the mother and given to infants as a laxative. Too, children would chew and swallow seeds for general weakness of the body.EtymologyThe generic name Hibiscus is derived from hibiscos, the Greek name for mallow.The Latin specific epithet furcellatus, refers to having a small forked notch (at the apex).www.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Hibiscus_furcellatus
