Hibiscus tiliaceus L., Sp. Pl. (1753)
Latin for 'resembling Tilia', referring to the leaf similarity with the lime tree of northern temperate forests.Synonyms
Hibiscus boninensis Nakai
Hibiscus tiliaceus var. abutiloides (Willd.) Hochr.
Hibiscus tiliaceus var. heterophyllus Nakai
Hibiscus tiliaceus var. tortuosus (Roxb.) Mast.
Hibiscus tiliifolius Salisb.
Hibiscus tortuosus Roxb.
Pariti boninense (Nakai) Nakai
Pariti tiliaceum (L.) A. Juss.
Pariti tiliaceum var. heterophyllum (Nakai) Nakai
Paritium abutiloides (Willd.) G. Don
Paritium elatum var. abutiloides (Willd.) Griseb.
Paritium tiliaceum (L.) Wight & Arn.
Paritium tiliaceum (L.) A. Juss.
Description
Understorey tree up to 18 m tall and 33 cm dbh. Stipules large, hairy.
Leaves alternate, simple, palmatly-veined, hairy below, whitish below, margin
slightly toothed, leaf base cordate. Flowers ca. 80 mm diameter,
yellow-pink-reddish, trumpet shaped. Fruits ca. 17 mm long,
yellow-orange-red-brown, dehiscent capsules.
Ecology
Found mainly on beaches along the sea shore, but also common along rivers
and alluvial sites more inland. Prefers open vegetations up to 700 m altitude.
On sandy soils.
Uses
Bark used to make rope. Wood used locally. Leaves eaten as vegetable.
Distribution
In the tropics of eastern Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In Borneo collected
throughout the island.
Local names
Borneo: Baharu, Bane-bane, Baru, Baru-baru, Bebane, Darah-darah, Kali bang-bang,
Kayu baru, Langkubing, Menoa, Pauat, Tapai-tapai.
