Sea Hibiscus

hibiscus tiliaceus

The Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) is a resilient, coastal evergreen tree belonging to the mallow family. Thriving along sandy beaches, estuaries, and the margins of mangrove swamps, this sprawling plant acts as a vital shoreline stabilizer, preventing erosion with its extensive and dense root network. It is highly valued across many coastal cultures for its versatile wood, fibrous bark used in traditional cordage, and its beautiful ornamental qualities. Discover and identify species like Sea Hibiscus with the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical coastal environments, thriving along sandy beaches, mangrove borders, estuaries, and riverbanks.

Appearance

This coastal tree typically grows between 300 to 1000 centimeters tall, featuring a sprawling, often crooked trunk with smooth, light-grey bark that becomes rough and fissured with age. Its most distinctive features are its large, deeply heart-shaped leaves, which are leathery, dark green on top, and covered with a fine, velvety greyish hair underneath. The striking, cup-shaped flowers open as bright yellow with a deep maroon center in the morning, gradually darkening to orange and then a rich reddish-brown by nightfall.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyMalvaceaeGenusHibiscus

Sea Hibiscus

Interesting facts

Its lightweight, water-resistant wood is so buoyant that it has been traditionally used to make outriggers, fishing floats, and lightweight canoes.

The dramatic color change of the flowers—from yellow to red—happens due to chemical changes in anthocyanin pigments as the flower ages throughout a single day.

The fibrous inner bark of the Sea Hibiscus is traditionally used throughout the Pacific islands to weave strong ropes, nets, and even grass skirts.

Special abilities

Filters and excludes salt at the root level, allowing it to survive in highly saline coastal environments and brackish water.

Its flowers undergo a rapid color transformation from bright yellow to deep red-orange in a single day, helping attract different pollinators at different times.

Produces seeds encased in water-resistant, air-filled capsules that can float on ocean currents for months to colonize distant shores.

Measurements & details

Length: 300+ cm
Lifespan: 30+ years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, the Sea Hibiscus synthesizes its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil nutrients

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

eaten by

Brown Land Crab

Cardisoma carnifex

Fallen flowers and leaves are consumed by coastal land crabs.

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Provides nectar and pollen, relying on the bees for pollination.

eaten by

Cotton Stainer

Dysdercus suturellus

Feeds on the seeds and young shoots of the plant.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Sea Hibiscus?

The easiest way to identify Sea Hibiscus is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Sea Hibiscus?

300+ cm

How long does Sea Hibiscus live?

30+ years

What does Sea Hibiscus eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, the Sea Hibiscus synthesizes its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed from the soil.

Where is Sea Hibiscus usually found?

Found in tropical and subtropical coastal environments, thriving along sandy beaches, mangrove borders, estuaries, and riverbanks.

How does Sea Hibiscus hunt?

Photosynthesis