Hibiscus brackenridgei

Also known as Ma'o Hau Hele, Hawaiian Yellow Hibiscus, Brackenridge's Rosemallow

Ma'o hau hele stands out in Hawaiian lowland dry forests with its brilliant, pure yellow blossoms that stretch over ten centimeters across. Selected as Hawaii's official state flower, this upright woody shrub opens fresh blooms daily in warm daylight to invite pollinators. Severe pressures from invasive non-native plants and introduced grazing mammals have pushed wild populations into isolated, highly protected patches.