English Name:
Red Ilima

Classification:

Abutilon menziesii Seem.
Kingdom: Plantae-Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta-Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta-Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta-Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida-Dicotyledons
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae - Mallow family
Genus: Abutilon P. Mill. - Indian Mallow
Species: Abutilon menziesii Seem. - Ko'Oloa Ula
(National Plant Database. 2003.)

The roots have nitrogen fixing capabilities. The branches are covered with dense hairs and appear velvety. The simple heart-shaped, silvery leaves have toothed edges and vary in length from 1 to 4 inches. The leaves have 1 to 2 inch long stems that allow them to flutter in the wind. The single flowers are very showy, maroon to pink with a yellow center and yellow staminal column. They hang down like bells from the leaf axils. Seeds are found in capsule, dark-brown in color, with 18-24 small seeds in each capsule. On cultivated plants, flowering occurs throughout the year except during the hottest months.
(Wagner,W.L., D.R. Herbst, and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai'i.)

In 1981, a specimen collection was made in an abandoned cane field at Ewa, on the island of Oahu and identified as Abutilon menziesii. It was thought at the time to be an escape from cultivation, but today plants located at the Ewa location are recognized as a distinct Hawaiian endemic shrub.
(Wagner,W.L., D.R. Herbst, and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii.)

** The information provided above is not intended to be used as a guide for treatment of medical conditions using plants.

The native bee Nesoprosopis has rarely been observed on flowers of this species, and may have been more important as a pollinator in the past.
Seed dispersal agents, longevity of plants and seeds, specific environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown. (USFWS.1995.)

4. Rats
5. Fire
6. Insects-Chinese rose beetle
7. Loss of pollinators.(USFWS.1995)

Research Management Needs:
1. Management of existing populations through: exclosures, monitoring, removal of threats.
2. Establishment of new field populations.

Ex Situ Needs:
1. Propagation
2. Genetic studies
3. Physiological studies
4. Seed banking.
(USFWS.1995.)

The magical history of the floral lei dates back to the ancient Hawaiians who wore braided leaves, native flowers, shells, feathers, stones and bones to beautify themselves. They also offered these hand-made garlands to each other and to their gods as a symbol of love and friendship. The lei was treasured and worn with pride by people of every age. During the Boat Days of the late 1800s, the popularity of the lei grew as visitors who arrived by ship were greeted with Aloha and presented with a floral leis. Legends grew around the luck of the lei. It was said if a departing visitor tossed their lei into the ocean and it floated back to the beach, it meant that the person would someday return to the islands. Hundreds of leis could be seen floating in the crystal waters off of Diamond Head as a ship steamed away. Today, the ancient tradition continues. The tender and beautiful lei is still carefully made by hand weaving fragrant and colorful flowers and leaves together to create a work of art. Leis are worn on all special occasions and given to family and friends as gifts of love. Leis represent a range of emotions and are presented at all types of occasions. The history and traditions of these gifts are timeless and are the ultimate symbol of the Aloha spirit. The lei is a symbol of Hawaii.
(Kepler, Angela K. 1984. Hawaiian Heritage Plants.)

(Information for this species compiled and recorded by Camelia Cirnaru, NTBG Consultant.)