Talipariti tiliaceum
🍃leaf (5)
🌸flower (5)
🍎fruit (5)
🌳bark (5)
🌿habit (5)
🌱other (4)

Talipariti tiliaceum

Sea hibiscus · Waru · Mahoe · Linden hibiscus · Cottonwood

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–12
Click count
251
Observations
236

Description

Source: leafsnap

Talipariti tiliaceum, commonly known as the beach hibiscus or sea hibiscus, is a tropical tree or shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is indigenous to the coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa. This plant can reach heights of up to 10 meters, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 centimeters. The leaves of Talipariti tiliaceum are large, heart-shaped, and have serrated edges. Its flowers are striking and prominent, featuring five petals that range in color from white to yellow or pinkish-red. These flowers bloom throughout the year in warm climates. Traditionally, the plant is used for various medicinal purposes, including treating ailments such as fever, coughs, diarrhea, and skin infections. The bark fibers of Talipariti tiliaceum are also used to make rope, which is strong enough to be used in fishing nets. Talipariti tiliaceum prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates. It thrives in sandy soils near coastal areas but can also be cultivated inland if it receives an adequate water supply. Overall, Talipariti tiliaceum is an attractive ornamental plant that enhances the beauty of coastlines while offering various benefits, including medicinal uses and fiber production. As such, it holds significant cultural importance for many communities around the world.

💡 Sea hibiscus is regarded as one of the most useful plants originating from the Pacific islands. For centuries, indigenous peoples have utilized its wood to construct canoes, outriggers, fishing-net floats, and roof trusses. The wood is also used as a fire starter. The bark can be transformed into rope, mats, and even cloth. The flowers of the sea hibiscus are edible, whether eaten raw or cooked, and the leaves can be pickled.

🌳 The dense branches of the sea hibiscus make it an exceptional choice for a windbreak or hedge in tropical gardens. When planted near water, it can form an impenetrable thicket. Additionally, its year-round flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and they can also be used as cut flowers.

🎭 Friendship and family relations, happiness, joy and everything that is filled with optimism

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-7
Soil pH: 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Talipariti
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-12
Mature Height
3.96 m to 10.06 m
Mature Spread
10.06 m
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
6.35 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Madagascar, Nigeria, Australia, Fiji, Guinea-Bissau, Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Cameroon, Ghana, Congo, South Africa, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Guinea, China, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, Senegal, Singapore, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Congo (DRC), Thailand, Gabon

Tags (4)

Common Names (9)

en Sea hibiscus
en Waru
en Mahoe
en Linden hibiscus
en Cottonwood
en Coast hibiscus
en Hau tree
en Mahoe tree
en Wild cotton tree