prickly puarangi

foliage palette: mid-green

fruit & flower palette: white

Hibiscus diversifolius subsp. diversifolius | prickly puarangi, native hibiscus, swamp hibiscus, prickly hibiscus

A widespread striking shrub known for its sprawling, tangled branches and broad, undivided green leaves. Predominantly found in coastal, wetland and streamside areas often amongst raupō, this species produces attractive white or pale yellow flowers with purple centers followed by dry fruit capsules. Tolerant of boggy ground and ideal for coastal gardens, it brings vibrant color and height, though it can be frost tender and prefers a warm, sunny, frost-free site, making it perfect for mixed plantings or revegetation efforts.
Despite being found across tropical Africa, New Guinea, the Philippines, numerous Pacific Islands, Central and South America, the Galapagos, and parts of Australia, the native range of Hibiscus diversifolius is debated. While some consider it native only to Africa and naturalised elsewhere, it's recognised as a native in both New Zealand and Australia. Genomic evidence and its coastal distribution outside of Africa suggest it originated there, spreading to other continents via long-range salt-water dispersal.

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