Native Hibiscus
(Hibiscus tiliaceus)

Although the Native Hibiscus (or Cottonwood) is not considered a true mangrove it is often found associated with mangroves. These trees may grow to 10 m tall.

Roots: No above-ground roots.

Leaves: Heart shaped leaves that are 10 to 15 cm across.

Flowers and Fruit: Yellow-orange flowers with five petals. Fruits have five lobes and are brown and woody when ripe. The flowers can be seen floating on the rivers of north Queensland.

Bark: Smooth, grey bark.

Similar species: Thespesia populnea is easily confused with the Native Hibiscus. However, Thespesia has thinner, more elongated heart-shaped leaves and five dark dots at the centre of its flowers.

Location: Found on the landward edge of wet tropical mangrove forests, often growing along the high tide mark.