Hibiscus tiliaceus L

Abstract

The genus Hibiscus includes about 200 species distributed primarily in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a highly variable genus, with relatively few characteristics in common (Wagner and others 1990). Hibiscus tiliaceus is one of the most widespread species in the genus, with a pantropical, mainly coastal, distribution. Whether this widespread distribution occurred primarily through natural dispersal or through human intervention is unknown. Seed capsules are well adapted for long-distance dispersal by water. However, the species has been used historically in a wide variety of ways, leading some to suggest that it was also widely distributed by early seafarers.

Citation

Allen, James A. 2002. Hibiscus tiliaceus L. In: Vozzo, J., ed. Tropical Tree Seed Manual: Part II, Species Descriptions. Agric. Handb. 712. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture: 508-510.