red ilima
Background Information
Red Ilima is rare in the wild, I've read that they out plant it in the Waianae Mountain Range. When flowering it is easily identified by this beautiful red color and the flower hangs upside down. What an interesting set up.
Background
Red Ilima is also known Ko'oloa 'ula. 'Ula in Hawaiian means red. The plant is endemic and federally listed on the endangered species list. The plant can tolerate harsh conditions such as sunny and dry areas. The plant only grows on Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island. I thought it was interesting that it doesn't grow on Kauai and Molokai. As you can see, the red flower looks like a mini hibiscus and it is in fact related to the hibsicus family. Although pretty, the flower doesn't produce a smell. The scientific name is Abutilon menziesii.
