Hibiscus splendens, commonly known as Hollyhock-Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coastal rainforests and moist eucalypt forests of Eastern Australia. It can grow up to 6 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 7 cm. The plant’s cylindrical trunk and branches are covered in sharp prickles, which also extend to most of the foliage. Leaves are ovate, 7 to 20 cm long, and have a toothed margin. From October to December, Hibiscus splendens produces spectacular pink flowers that are approximately 7 cm long, attracting pollinators and adding ornamental value. The flowers are followed by capsules with hairs that can cause severe skin irritation, so they should be handled with caution. Fruit matures from December to February.

The Hollyhock-Tree is recognized for its attractive, showy flowers and is used in gardens for ornamental purposes. It is suitable for creating a natural barrier or as a feature plant due to its spiky nature. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. It is relatively easy to propagate from seed or cuttings, making it a good choice for rainforest regeneration projects. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to cause skin irritation when handling the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0