Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae

Description:

[Syn. Hibiscus hannerae]Kokio keokeo or Small Kauai white hibiscusMalvaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai only)IUCN: Critically EndangeredOahu (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!Both the native red and white hibiscuses were grown near their houses for their flowers by early Hawaiians.EtymologyThe generic name Hibiscus is derived from hibiscos, the Greek name for mallow. The specific epithet waimeae refers to the Waimea Canyon, Kauai, where this species is found.The subspecies hannerae was named by the botanist couple Otto and Isa Degener for Mrs. Ruth Knudsen Hanner, a supporter of their work on Kauai.NPH00023nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Hibiscus_waimeae_hannerae