Hibiscus richardsonii
Hibiscus richardsonii. puarangi, native hibiscus
Lovely NZ native hibiscus, Puarangi, has in recent years been identified as a species different from the more well known Hibiscus trionum which also grows around NZ which is now recognised as a very early introduced plant.
It is easily recognised as being different as it does not have the very dark purplish brown basal blotch on its petals. Its petals do not open as wide as H. trionum.
Indigenous. New Zealand, North Island, from Te Paki eastward to Hicks Bay, including Great Barrier and Mayor (Tuhua) Islands. Annual to short-lived perennial herb up to 1 m tall.
Coastal plant growing in recently disturbed habitats, such as around slip scars, within petrel colonies, on talus slopes, and under open coastal scrub and forest. At Mayor (Tuhua) Island it is associated with an old pa site. It is very palatable to browsing animals.
The seed is long-lived such that this species often appears following major habitat disturbances caused by storm damage or fire.
If you are lucky to get some seed ensure you save some each year and sow it in spring. It should come up by itself annually once established.
It is easily recognised as being different as it does not have the very dark purplish brown basal blotch on its petals. Its petals do not open as wide as H. trionum.
Indigenous. New Zealand, North Island, from Te Paki eastward to Hicks Bay, including Great Barrier and Mayor (Tuhua) Islands. Annual to short-lived perennial herb up to 1 m tall.
Coastal plant growing in recently disturbed habitats, such as around slip scars, within petrel colonies, on talus slopes, and under open coastal scrub and forest. At Mayor (Tuhua) Island it is associated with an old pa site. It is very palatable to browsing animals.
The seed is long-lived such that this species often appears following major habitat disturbances caused by storm damage or fire.
If you are lucky to get some seed ensure you save some each year and sow it in spring. It should come up by itself annually once established.