Hibiscus Dasycalyx

Hibiscus dasycalyx, the Neches River rose-mallow, is a threatened wetland perennial found only in the open floodplain habitats of the East Texas Pineywoods. Tall stems carry narrow, deeply divided leaves and huge creamy white flowers with a dark wine-red eye, sometimes produced by the hundred on a mature plant after favourable rain. Bees, moths and other insects visit the dramatic summer blooms. Habitat loss, altered water regimes and hybridisation with related hibiscus threaten the wild populations, giving responsibly raised plants genuine conservation interest.