Maʻo Hau Hele

English Name: Yellow Hibiscus

Genus: Hibiscus brackenridgei

Indigenous vs Endemic

Information!

The ma‘o hau hele (also known as the yellow hibiscus) was used ornamentally. It is considered to be a shrub and is an endangered species. The ma‘o hau hele translates to the “traveling green hau.” This is thought to be named after it’s ability to sprout new roots every 3-5 years. Sometimes a part of the plant will die and new roots would sprout from leaning branches and it will “travel” to a new place where it can thrive.