Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Malvales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Hibiscus L.
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Hibiscus diversifolius Jacq. (1789)
Vernacular Name(s):
Swamp hibiscus
 Description

Perennial to 2–(3) m high, woody at base; stems and petioles with spines 1–2 mm long. Lvs sparsely to densely clothed in simple hairs, suborbicular to ovate, not lobed or 3–5-lobed to usually < 1/2 radius, irregularly serrate, 2–10 cm long. Fls in terminal racemes, lowermost subtended by lvs; epicalyx segments 8–12, united at base only; calyx teeth triangular, > tube, moderately to densely hairy; petals yellow, dark-purplish at base, 30–60 mm long. Capsule enclosed by calyx; seeds smooth.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of subspecific taxa in New Zealand within Hibiscus diversifolius Jacq.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Non-endemic)1
Total1
 Phenology

Flowering: Dec.–Apr.

 Bibliography
Barrett, R.L.; Yoshikawa, V.N.; McLay, T.G.B.; Duarte, M.C.; Mwachala, G.; Hanes, M.C. 2025: Reinstatement of Sabdariffa and new combinations to support a monophyletic concept of Hibiscus (Malvaceae: Hibisceae). Australian Systematic Botany 38(SB24013): 1–97 (online). (Published online: 21 May 2025 doi:10.1071/SB24013)
de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Heenan, P.B.; Courtney, S.P.; Molloy, B.P.J.; Ogle, C.C.; Rance, B.D. 2004: Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany 42(1): 45–76.