The hibiscuses of Socotra are notoriosly difficult to identify as there are so much variation within each species, and between species very minute details that separate them. Most of them have painful stinging hairs of several shapes and sizes to make things even more difficult.
Hibiscus diriffan, A G Miller (2004):
Leaves elliptic to to triangulate-ovate, base broadly cuneate to cordate, margin irregularly serrate, sometimes obscurely 3-lobed. Tip rounded, thinly tomentose with stellate hairs above and densely hairy with stellate hairs and large 3-armed hairs beneath.
Epicalyx lobes 9 to 13, apparently fused at base, oblanceolate, with a distinct midvein and green “lamina”, erect at first becoming refflexed. (A G Miller).
Hibiscus diriffan is endemic to Socotra.
Elevation: 728 meters.
Last updated on 8 November 2024
