Definition

Noun: * A tropical coastal shrub or small tree, Hibiscus tiliaceus, known for its heart-shaped leaves, yellow flowers that turn red, and its versatile, lightweight wood and fibrous bark. It is commonly found along shorelines and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Usage

• The hibiscus tiliaceus is highly salt-tolerant, making it ideal for stabilizing coastlines.
• Traditional cultures use the strong fibers from the bark of the hibiscus tiliaceus for making rope and cordage.
• Many gardens in tropical regions feature the hibiscus tiliaceus for its attractive foliage and flowers.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy, Hibiscus tiliaceus belongs to the Malvaceae family.
• The species name "" refers to the resemblance of its leaves to those of the linden tree (genus ).

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: Beach hibiscus, sea hibiscus, mahoe, hau.
• Genus: (the larger genus containing many hibiscus species).
• Family: Malvaceae (the mallow family).

Synonyms

• Beach hibiscus
• Sea hibiscus
• Mahoe (particularly in the Pacific)
• Hau (in Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages)

Different Meanings

• As a proper noun (the species name), Hibiscus tiliaceus refers specifically to this single plant species and has no other distinct meanings.

Noun

1. shrubby tree widely distributed along tropical shores; yields a light tough wood used for canoe outriggers and a fiber used for cordage and caulk; often cultivated for ornament