Abutilon eremitopetalum
Genus
Abutilon
Species
eremitopetalum
Common Names
- Hidden-petaled abutilon
- Hidden-petaled ilima
Synonyms
- Abortopetalum eremitopetalum
- Abutilon cryptopetalum
Did You Know…?
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Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Sprawling Shrub
- Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Screening
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Certainly not the most impressive of the native abutlion species, but nonetheless, a unique and rare addition to a native landscape! They are rather easy to grow and maintain in a landscape and perform much like koʻoloa ʻula. With its attractive silvery-greenish foliage, this plant can be used as an accent shrub.
Additional Fragrance Information
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Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Green
- Greenish-White
- Red
Additional Flower Color Information
The lime green petals are hidden within the calyx (sepals)--the portion of the flower under the petals. Some calyxes have a flush of light red. The prominent stamen cluster (staminal tube) is coral red and protrudes from the petals/calyx area.
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The unique flowers of the hidden-petaled abutilon are indeed hidden among the large leaves and not readily detected from a distance. One or two flowers are on each stem.
Plant texture
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Gray / Silverish
- Light Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
The light green to grayish-green leaves are hairy and heart-shaped.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
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Pruning Information
Like other members of the Mallow Family (Malvaceae), this rare shrub seems to handle pruning well. Do not remove more than necessary at any one time.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
Grows well in dry, warm temperature. Benefits from regular watering.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Does best in full sun conditions.
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Clay
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Lānaʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This extremely rare and endangered abutilon is only from dry forests at 690 to 1710 feet in eastern Lānaʻi in Kānepuʻu, Kehewai, and the Kalulu and Maunalei Valleys, but also previously recorded from Kaʻā in the northwest, Mahana (east), and Pāwili (northeast). [1,2]
The plants from Kānepuʻu were introductions by George Munro, with at least some of these from the Kalulu plants. [1]
Special Features and Information
General Information
The hidden-petaled abutilon is a smaller relative of hibiscuses belonging to the Mallow family (Malvaceae).
The Hawaiian Islands have four native species: one indigenous Abutilon species (Abutilon incanum) and three endemic endangered species (Abutilon eremitopetalum, A. menziesii, A. sandwicense).
There is no known Hawaiian name for the hidden-petaled abutilon. The common name is taken from the species name eremitopetalum which literally means "hidden petaled."
Background Information
The Saga of the Hidden-petaled abutilon
The hidden-petaled abutilon was "discovered" by George Munro in 1930 in Maunalei Valley. This abuliton has always been considered rare with widely scattered populations. The grazing and antler rubbing activities of Axis deer or chital (Axis axis), introduced to the islands in 1867, has only added to the abutilons decline. In 1951, only two or three plants were found. By the early 1980's this species was considered extinct. However, in 1987 about 60-70 plants were discovered in the north fork of Kaheʻa Gulch on a slope. But by 1990, only 30 plants were observed by Steve Perlman (National Tropical Botanical Garden). By June 1993 the population was reduced to only seven specimens--the rest eaten by deer. [1,2]
Today, about 100 plants are found in a single wild population in Kaheʻa Gulch.
Fortunately, these plants are in cultivation today and grow in several public and private gardens.
Modern Use
Abutilon eremitopetalum is closely related to koʻoloa ʻula (A. menziesii) and will readily hybridize producing an interesting cross with characteristics of both parents.
Additional References
[1] "Recovery Plan for the Lanai Plant Cluster," page 26.
[2] "The Story of Lānaʻi" by George C. Munro," Map (enclosed)
Special Notes and Information
The hidden-petaled abutilon is a smaller relative of hibiscuses belonging to the Mallow family (Malvaceae).
The Hawaiian Islands have four native species: one indigenous Abutilon species (Abutilon incanum) and three endemic endangered species (Abutilon eremitopetalum, A. menziesii, A. sandwicense).
There is no known Hawaiian name for the hidden-petaled abutilon. The common name is taken from the species name eremitopetalum which literally means "hidden petaled."
The Saga of the Hidden-petaled abutilon
The hidden-petaled abutilon was "discovered" by George Munro in 1930 in Maunalei Valley. This abuliton has always been consisdered rare with widely scattered populations. The grazing and antler rubbing activities of Axis deer or chital (Axis axis), introduced to the islands in 1867, has only added to the abutilons decline. In 1951, only two or three plants were found. By the early 1980's this species was considered extinct. However, in 1987 about 60-70 plants were discovered in the north fork of Kaheʻa Gulch on a slope. But by 1990, only 30 plants were observed by Steve Perlman (National Tropical Botanical Garden). By June 1993 the population was reduced to only seven specimens--the rest eaten by deer. [1,2]
Today, about 100 plants are found in a single wild population in Kaheʻa Gulch.
Fortunately, these plants are in cultivation today and grow in several public and private gardens.
Modern Use:
Abutilon eremitopetalum is closely related to koʻoloa ʻula (A. menziesii) and will readily hybridize producing an interesting cross with characteristics of both parents.
Landscape Use:
Certainly not the most impressive of the native abutlion species, but nonetheless, a unique and rare addition to a native landscape! They are rather easy to grow and maintain in a landscape and perform much like koʻoloa ʻula. With its attractive silvery-greenish foliage, this plant can be used as an accent shrub.
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