Hibiscus diversifolius Jacq.
Perennial to 2-(3) m high, woody at base; stems and petioles with spines 1-2 mm long. Lvs sparsely to densely clothed in simple hairs, suborbicular to ovate, not lobed or 3-5-lobed to usually < 1/2 radius, irregularly serrate, 2-10 cm long. Fls in terminal racemes, lowermost subtended by lvs; epicalyx segments 8-12, united at base only; calyx teeth triangular, > tube, moderately to densely hairy; petals yellow, dark-purplish at base, 30-60 mm long. Capsule enclosed by calyx; seeds smooth.
N.: coastal Northland, rare and local.
Probably native, indigenous distribution uncertain, now widespread in subtropical and tropical areas.
Usually in wet situations.
FL Dec-Apr.
