Hibiscus kokio subsp. kokio

Description:

Kokio ula, Kokio ulaula, or Hawaiian red hibiscusMalvaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsEndangeredOahu (Cultivated)Shrubs to small trees.Kokio was pounded with other plants, juice strained, and taken to purify blood. The leaves were chewed and swallowed as a laxative or mothers would chew buds and given to infants and children as a laxative. Mother would also chew the buds and give to children or children would eat the seeds to strengthen a weak child.NPH00005nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Hibiscus_kokio_kokio