Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. arnottianus 'Kanani Kea'

Description:

Kokio keokeo or Oahu white hibiscusMalvaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsOahu (Cultivated)The two native Hawaiian white hibiscuses, Hibiscus arnottianus and H. waimeae, are the only known species of hibiscuses in the world known to have fragrant flowers!Early Hawaiians used these flowers medicinally. The bases of the buds of hau hele (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.NPH00012nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Hibiscus_arnottianus_a...