Hibiscadelphus stellatus

Hibiscadelphus stellatus is a rare plant species that has only been found within the Kuala valley in West Maui, Hawaii. It was just recently discovered and described by science. Only 99 wild individual specimens are known to exist. The current rarity of this and other Hibiscadelphus species are likely due to the arrival of humans on the Hawaiian islands, which brought non-native animal species and the destruction of native habitats.

Hibiscadelphus stellatus (Malvaceae)
Publication: PhytoKeys 39: 65–75 (July 2014) Fig. 2
A. Habit, B. Flower bud, C. Surface of calyx showing stellate hairs, D. Flower, E. Surface of corolla showing two sizes of stellate hairs, F. Fruit, G. Longitudinal section of fruit showing seed. Drawn from Oppenheimer et al. H41337 (US) and field
Client: Warren Wagner
Artist: Alice R., Tangerini, Date: June 21, 2013, Pen, brush and ink on drafting film
Collector: Oppenheimer (US) H41337, Hawaiian Islands, West Maui

Drawing was made from the herbarium specimens and from digital photographs of the living plant.