A hibiscus
Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos
Hawaii does not have the fields of flowers mainlanders may think of when considering the humble wildflower. But the islands are nonetheless covered in wild-growing flowering plants. The Hawaiian yellow hibiscus, or ma‘o hau hele, is Hawaii’s state flower. However, the University of Hawaii’s Native Plant Propagation Database says there are seven native species of hibiscus dotting Hawaii, five of which are native to the islands.
According to the website, the ancient Hawaiians used hibiscus as decoration and to make leis. Hibiscus leis are beautiful, but due to the delicate nature of the flower petals, they only last a day before wilting.