Hibiscus tridactylites Lindl.

Taxon Naming & Height

Hibiscus tridactylites Lindl. grows 20–50 centimetres (8–20 in) tall, and sometimes grows over 80 cm (30 in) tall.

Flower Coloration

It produces white or yellow flowers that have a purple center.

Flower Center Morphology & Research Controversy

The deeply pigmented flower center has surface striations, and there is ongoing scientific controversy over whether these striations act as a diffraction grating to produce iridescence.

Unripe Seedpod Characteristics

Pollinated, unripe seedpods of this species resemble oriental paper lanterns, measure less than 25 mm (1 in) across, and are pale green with purple markings.

Reproductive Mechanism Types

Hibiscus trionum can produce seed through both outcrossing and self-pollination.

Post-Anthesis Outcrossing Stage

In the first few hours after anthesis, the style and stigma stand upright and are receptive to pollen from other plants.

Self-Pollination Trigger Process

If no external pollen is received, the style bends to touch the anthers of the same flower, triggering self-pollination.

Reproductive Strategy Adaptive Value

While outcrossing individuals of this species appear to perform better than self-pollinating ones, this reproductive assurance mechanism may have helped H. trionum thrive in multiple environments.