Hibiscus storckii and three undescribed Fijian Hibiscus species

Tropical Hibiscus, in section Lilibiscus, are among the world's most widely planted woody ornamentals in warmer climates. Lilibiscus comprises about 25 Hibiscus species found mainly on mid-oceanic volcanic islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The distinctive and highly ornamental Hibiscus storckii was described from Fiji in 1865 but has generally been treated as conspecific with H. rosa-sinensis. Recent studies (in press) have revealed that H. storckii is indeed an endemic Fijian species. In addition, three new endemic Fijian Hibiscus species-- Hibiscus sp. nov. 'Mt Delaikoro', Hibiscus sp. nov. 'Ruby Rose' and Hibiscus sp. nov. 'Ovalau'--have also been identified. At least two of these species--Hibiscus sp. nov. 'Ruby Rose' from Cakaudrove and Hibiscus sp. nov. 'Ovalau'--appear to have been widely used in the early breeding of modern tropical Hibiscus hybrids. The majority of Lilibiscus species, including the four Fijian endemic species, are rare and threatened in nature: indeed, they are better known in cultivation due to their ornamental appeal, cultural significance and medicinal qualities.