Hibiscus fragilis

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Mandrinette

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Rosids
  • Order: Malvales
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Genus: Hibiscus
  • Species: Hibiscus fragilis

Common Names by Region

  • Mauritius: Mandrinette
  • General Botanical Reference: Fragile Hibiscus


Description

  • Growth Habit: Small, woody, evergreen shrub
  • Size: Typically grows 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) in height
  • Leaves: Glossy, dark green, ovate to broadly elliptic with serrated margins
  • Flowers: Large, showy, bright red to pinkish-red with a characteristic five-petaled form, blooming sporadically throughout the year

Known Range

  • Native Range: Endemic to Mauritius, historically found in very limited numbers in the wild
  • Cultivated Range: Grown in botanical gardens and conservation programs worldwide due to its rarity and endangered status

Care Requirements

  • Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
  • Watering: Requires moderate watering; prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH
  • Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments
  • Temperature: Warm tropical to subtropical conditions; sensitive to frost
  • Propagation: Primarily through cuttings, as seeds are rarely available
  • Common Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and fungal infections in overly humid or wet conditions

Additional Notes

  • Special Features: Endangered species, highly valued in conservation efforts due to its extremely limited wild population; hybridization efforts have been made to preserve its genetic lineage
  • Maintenance Level: Moderate to high, requiring careful attention to soil moisture, temperature, and pest control
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