Orange Kokio Ula Native Hibiscus

The rare native Hawaiian Kokio 'Ula has subspecies that produce flowers that are orange-colored, such as this star-shaped hibiscus. This is the... more

by Heidi Fickinger

Title

Orange Kokio Ula Native Hibiscus

Artist

Heidi Fickinger

Medium

Photograph - Photographic Print

Description

The rare native Hawaiian Kokio 'Ula has subspecies that produce flowers that are orange-colored, such as this star-shaped hibiscus. This is the kokio 'ula subspecies saintjohnianus. Hibiscus kokio 'ula subspecies saintjohnianus is endemic to the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. It is restricted to the northwestern portion of the island. In the wild it is found between 500 and 2800 feet in elevation in very remote areas. As of surveys in early 2000 there are approximately 10 identified populations that contain several thousand plants.
Kokio 'ula hibiscus are easily identifed by the long calyx that contains the stamen and calyx. In Kokio 'ula hibiscus at the very tip of the calyx column the five hairy stigma lobes rises high above the stamen and forms a striking star that mimics the number of petals. With the Kokio Saintjohnianus subspecies the stigma star is brilliant red, giving this tiny hibiscus a fireworks wow factor.

Featured in the following FAA group galleries:
* Mind-Blowing Photography
* An Image Inspiring Meditation
* Hawaiiana
* Out of the Ordinary
* FAA Portraits
* Nikon Full Frame Cameras
* Just Perfect
* Orange, Yellow, Red Photography & Paints
* Your Story of Art
* Global Flowers Photography
* Hodge Podge
* Positive Energy
* Bedroom Art Gallery
* 10 Plus
* Covid-19 Mask Group
* Photographic Camea Art
* Art Submissions to PKA

Uploaded

July 24th, 2020