Hibiscus diversifolius, the swamp hibiscus, is a widespread species of hibiscus. It grows to between 1 and 2 metres in height, with prickly stems and yellow flowers with a maroon basal spot during spring summer.[1]
| Swamp hibiscus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Hibiscus |
| Species: | H. diversifolius |
| Binomial name | |
| Hibiscus diversifolius | |
Distribution
It occurs in tropical Africa, New Guinea, the Philippines, many Pacific Islands, Central and South America, the Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, Norfolk Island[2] as well as the states of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia.[1][3][4] There is disagreement over its native range. Some sources consider it native only to Africa, and naturalised elsewhere;[5] but it is considered a native in New Zealand[3] and Australia[1]
It is found in low, swampy areas; in Africa it may occur inland or near the coast, but in all other continents it occurs only in coastal areas. This distribution, together with genomic evidence, suggests that it originated in Africa, and colonised the other continents through long-range salt-water dispersal.[6]
References
External links
- "Hibiscus diversifolius". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- "Hibiscus diversifolius". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- Hibiscus diversifolius in West African plants – A Photo Guide.
