Earth Laughs In Flowers

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 23, 28 January 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

Earth Laughs In Flowers

Pale, biscuit-shaded flowers, with a wonderfully deep maroon eye and small lacy leaves—that is our Starry Hibiscus. There are two in New Zealand. Before the land Was cleared for white mans wants this little annual Hibiscus grew up to two feel STARRY HIBISCUS high in decorative patches from the very Far North to Auckland; very rarely south of that. Although always near the sea, they were protected from damaging winds by their choice of sunny situations—for they are delicate plants. Now the Starry Hibiscus has a hard struggle for existence; in fact, it is rarely seen in the wild slate, for sheep and cattle graze on its former homes and greedily devour the few remaining plants. So you are indeed lucky if you find a small patch or plant on your land up North.

Lately, however, they are being cultivated more in gardens, and they are well worth the little trouble taken —for the seeds grow easily—as the large flowers, which last only one day, are borne in great profusion over the plants. This Hibiscus is a Wanderer; over many tropic shores outside *' New Zealand you will find it. Houhere, or lacebark, that beautiful white autumn-flowering tree, is a close relation, although it does not appear to be so. They belong to the Mallow family, well known in England. —B.E.G.M.