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In Australia, Hibiscus diversifolius occurs from Botany Bay in New South Wales to Fraser Island in Queensland. It is also found in South Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar, the Philippines, Central and South America, New Guinea, in Fiji and the South Pacific Islands.
Hibiscus diversifolius is different in both habit and size from other hibiscus that occur in Australia.
The second part of its name means having diverse leaves as there are differences in the shapes of leaves on the one plant.
The stems have many short prickles.
The leaves near the ends of the stems can be undivided and the lower leaves can have either three or five lobes, but the lobing is only shallow. The leaf margins are irregularly toothed. The leaf surfaces are rough to touch because of the short, stiff, bristle-like hairs.
The flowers are pale yellow with purple centres.
Flowers are carried in arching terminal sprays and are held facing the ground. Blooms are produced in the warmer months. The calyx is covered with stiff bristles and the nectary is conspicuous.
The seed pod is also covered with rigid bristly hairs.
The plant is usually found growing near water, and so is known as Swamp Hibiscus. It grows on creek banks, on the margins of swamps or in swampy areas in open forest country. It mostly grows in an open, sunny situation but may also be found as an understorey plant. While travelling along the main coastal road in New South Wales and Queensland, Hibiscus diversifolius can be seen growing on damp roadside verges.
In cultivation, this plant is fast growing and free-flowering. Regular tip-pruning is recommended to encourage a bushy habit. The plant tolerates light to moderately heavy frosts. The plant performs well as a container plant.Propagation is from seed or from cuttings which strike very easily.
REFERENCES:
Elliot, W.R. & Jones, D.l. (1980-88) Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation, Vol 5, Lothian, Melbourne.
Lebler, B.A. (1977) Wildflowers of South-eastern Queensland, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.
Williams, K. Native Plants of Queensland, Vol. 1, Cranbrook Press, 1979.
LINKS
Species Map for Australia
http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni
Type in Hibiscus
Malvaceae Information - Hibiscus diversifolius
http://users.wantree.com.au/~weeds/western_weeds/malvaceae.htm
http://www.gardenbed.com/h/1833.cfm
http://metalab.unc.edu/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Hibiscus+diversifolius
SEEDS ONLINE
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http://b-and-t-world-seeds.com/Family.htm GO TO 487 MALVACEAE
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