Hibiscus tiliaceus L.

taritiiim tiliacenm (X|) St. Hil. PI. Bras. J£er. 1:25,6. 1§|J.
(	Hibiscus tiliaceus L. ' Sp. PI. 694. 1753,
“Hau” tree, is one of -the names which a stranger first hears
at Honolulu, when native, plants are mentioned. The growth j
of this plant is rather peculiar. Rarely, at least when growing j
wild, is it found as a tree with large trunk and ascending I
branches. Its usual manrier of growth is'much like that of the
banyan tree. The main branches perhaps ascend for a short
distance, then turn off at a right angle, and sOon descend to the
ground, to creep along for some distance, and then again as-
cend, or send off smaller branches. Th^ general impression '
which it gives,, is that of a tangle of vine-like branches, with j
no apparent beginning or'end. The flowers are large, and look \!
much like thoSe of a Hibiscus, and are bright yellbw, with a
dark brown centie. When in full blbom, a Hau thicket is a
beautiful sight. The species is common in the valleys and on
open slopes on both, Oahu and Kauai.
?.ta*4s
N_EW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
04334612
PLANTS OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
COLLEOTED ON THE ISLAND OF OAHU, ON THE LOWER
SLOPES OF KONAHUANUI. ABOVE MANOA,
By A. A. Heller, April 22, 1895.
04334612