Family: Malvaceae

Ma’o is a gorgeous native shrub, especially in hot, dry sites with brackish water or salt winds and little/no irrigation. The large, yellow flowers are very showy and bloom from late summer to winter. The leaves are attractive, velvety, and lobbed—an excellent choice for xeriscapes and coastal habitat restoration projects. However, when over-watered or over-fertilized, ma’o becomes especially prone to insect damages and fungus.

A cotton trade was established in Kailua in 1838 and lasted for a century, but it was never an economically important industry. An important plant to the early Hawaiians, ma’o cotton was used for stuffing, dye from leaves, and medicine for stomachaches and childbirth. When crossed with commercial cotton, pest resistance and growing requirements improve.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Erosion control
• Lei flower
• Medicinal
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers