Abutilon menziesii
Malvaceae or Mallow family
Synonyms: none
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Koʻoloa ʻula
Red abutilon, Red ʻilima
Natural Range & Environment
Abutilon menziesii is endangered and endemic to dry forests and open scrub/grasslands, 200 to 520 m (656 to 1,706 ft), on Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island [Wagner et al. 1990]. Wild individuals on the island of Hawai‘i are extirpated, but there are seeds from this population in ex situ storage [USFWS 2023].
Just some of the many flower color variations we see in ko‘oloa ‘ula; see header photograph also (Photograph including hand courtesy of Taylor Justason CC BY-NC 4.0; Photograph of pink-edged flower courtesy of J.K. Obata via G.D. Carr ©.). Two cultivated plants (Photograph of plant with building in background courtesy of dannyhou CC BY-NC 4.0.).
Description
Ko‘oloa ‘ula is a federally listed endangered endemic shrub that typically grows to a height of 1-3 m (3-10 ft). This unique plant quickly matures to the flowering stage when cultivated, producing small hibiscus-shaped flowers that hang downward and bloom year-round. Its flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, pink and white, pale red, maroon, deep purplish red (wine), salmon, and light yellow, with a yellowish staminal column at the center. Ripe seed capsules are pale brown, woody, in a fuzzy dry, calyx. Each fruit has 5-8 segments and up to three kidney-shaped seeds. Ko‘oloa ‘ula has beautiful heart-shaped leaves, which are densely covered with tiny hairs, giving them a silvery light green appearance.
Growth Requirements
General
Ko‘oloa ‘ula are not only attractive but can be used as accent or specimen plants, thriving best in full sun and well-drained soil.
For potted plants, it is recommended to use organic or natural fertilizers at low doses, around one-fourth the recommended strength. Over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can lead to oversized leaves and fewer flowers.
Once planted in the ground in a permanent location, ko‘oloa ‘ula generally do not require fertilizers and need minimal watering. It is drought- and heat-tolerant, but does not do well in salt spray. It is important to protect these shrubs from strong winds to ensure their health and longevity.
Pests and Diseases
Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments.
Uses
Ancient Hawaiian
Medicinally, the juice from the blossoms was made into a laxative [Handy & Handy 1972].
Modern
Since the flowers do not wilt quickly, koʻoloa ʻula makes a stunning, long-lasting and rarely seen lei [McDonald & Weissich 2003].
Special Features and Information
General
Abutilon menziesii belongs to the Mallow family (Malvaceae), relative of hibiscus. Malvaceae contains about 4,200 species, with notables such as okra, cacao, durian, baobab, kenaf, and cotton [WikipediA;Malvaceae]. There are some 200 Abutilon species worldwide, found primarily in the tropics and subtropics [WikipediA;Abutilon]. In Hawai‘i, there are four native Abutilon species: the indigenous Abutilon incanum, and three endemic endangered species, A. eremitopetalum, A. menziesii, and A. sandwicense.
Hawaiian Name
Although the Hawaiian name ʻula refers to red color, koʻoloa ʻula flowers are found in a range of colors, as mentioned in Description, as well as can be seen in the above photos.
Etymology
The generic name Abutilon comes from the Arabic word abū-ṭīlūn (أبو طيلون), which means "Indian mallow." The name was first used in the 18th century as a Neo-Latin word [Wikipedia;Abutilon]. The specific epithet menziesii is named for Archibald Menzies (1754-1842), a Scottish surgeon and naturalist, and the first to taxonomically identify the species [Seeman 1865].
DWE
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