Abutilon sandwicense
Genus
Abutilon
Species
sandwicense
Common Names
- Green-flowered abutilon
- Greenflower Indian mallow
Synonyms
- Abortopetalum sandwicense
- Abortopetalum sandwicense var. welchii
- Abutilon sandwicense var. welchii
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
- Shrub, Tall, Greater than 10
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Hedges
- Screening
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
As with most abutilons, green-flowered abutilon are easy to grow when given somewhat drier and sunny conditions. The shrubs can grow quite large. The flowers are spectacular and draw attention when noticed.
Source of Fragrance
- No Fragrance
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Brownish
- Green
- Greenish-White
- Light Orange
- Red
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
Because of the flower size, largest of the native abutilons, the solitary flowers can be seen from several feet away if not obscured by the large leaves.
Some flower forms have bronze or reddish colored petals.
Plant texture
- Medium
- Coarse
Leaf Colors
- Gray / Silverish
- Light Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
The Green-flowered abutilon is subject to Chinese rose beetle attacks which chew unsightly holes in the leaves.
Water Requirements
- Moist
Additional Water Information
This abutilon does well in moist to dry conditions but best kept on the drier side.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Additional Habitat Information
An Oʻahu endemic found on steep slopes in dry forest from about 985 to 1970 feet in the Waiʻanae Mountians between Makaleha Valley and Puʻukaua.
Special Features and Information
General Information
The Green-flowered abutilon are relatives of hibiscuses belonging to the Mallow family (Malvaceae). The Hawaiian Islands have four native species: one questionably indigenous species (Abutilon incanum) and three endemic endangered species (A. eremitopetalum, A. menziesii, A. sandwicense). The feature species (A. sandwicense) is the largest growing and flowering of the native abutilons.
No known Hawaiian name or use is yet known for this unique and rare endemic abutilon.
Special Notes and Information
The Green-flowered abutilon are relatives of hibiscuses belonging to the Mallow family (Malvaceae). The Hawaiian Islands have four native species: one questionably indigenous species (Abutilon incanum) and three endemic endangered species (A. eremitopetalum, A. menziesii, A. sandwicense). The feature species (A. sandwicense) is the largest growing and flowering of the native abutilons.
No known Hawaiian name or use is yet known for this unique and rare endemic abutilon.
Landscape Use:
As with most abutilons, green-flowered abutilon are easy to grow when given somewhat drier and sunny conditions. The shrubs can grow quite large. The flowers are spectacular and draw attention when noticed.
Back to Plant List