Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus

Description:

Kokio ula or St. John's hibiscusMalvaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsEndangeredKauai (Cultivated)Kokio was pounded with other plants, juice strained, and taken to purify blood. The leaves were chewed and swallowed as a laxative or mothers would chew buds and given to infants and children as a laxative. Mother would also chew the buds and give to children or children would eat the seeds to strengthen a weak child.NPH00003nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Hibiscus_kokio_saintjo...