Big Tree: Ma‘o hau hele
Common Name: Yellow Hibiscus
Scientific Name: Hibiscus Brackenridgei
Year Nominated: 2017
Nominated By: Karl Magnacca
Height: 16 ft
Circumference: 29 in
Crown Spread: 15.5 ft
Total Points: 49
Location: O’ahu Army Natural Resources Program Interpretive Garden, Wahiawa, O’ahu
Range: This species is endemic to Hawaii and can be found on all islands except Molokai and Oahu.
About this species: This federally listed endangered tree species is the official state flower of Hawaii. Bright yellow hibiscus flowers are a distinguishing feature of Ma’o hau hele. Flowers are four to six inches wide with five crinkled, egg-shaped petals. Early Hawaiians planted this species for ornamental uses.
The goal of the Oʻahu Army Natural Resources Program is to effectively balance the requirements of the Army’s training mission with its natural resource responsibilities.
View another Hawai‘i Big Tree Champion:
A‘ali‘i || Hau || Kāwaʻu || Koa || Kokiʻo Keʻokeʻo || Kōlea lau nui || Lama || Lonomea || Māmane || Mānele || Maʻo hau hele || Neneleau || Niu || ‘Ōhi‘a ai || ‘Ōhi‘a ha || Olopua || Pāpala kēpau || Wiliwili