Wanted Alive! Hibiscus Aff. Fiji White

Was wondering if anyone has seen this Hibiscus still growing in Fiji?….or anywhere else for that matter.
It is called Fiji White (or aff. Fiji White) although the flower is tri-coloured deep crimson, crimson and White. It appears to have been used in Fiji’s early Hibiscus breeding programs (and reported from Moira Hedstrom garden in Tamavua in the 1950s).

I think it may be an undescribed species in section Lilibiscus from Indian Ocean islands (or possibly Fiji). The foliage is unique as no other Lilibiscus species has such narrow tri-lobed foliage on mature bushes – although several Indian Ocean Lilibiscus seedlings have highly divided leaves.

In 1881 the Mauritian Botanical Gardens Director John Horne wrote that about Fiji that “Every vessel from Australia, New Hebrides, the Solomon, or Marquesas islands, brings additions to the collections of amateurs, such as rare specimens of hibiscus…” so even though ‘Fiji White’ was first recorded from Fiji, it may have been an early introduction from another place…but where?

In 1963 the famous Hibiscus enthusiast Ross Gast wrote about his trip to Fiji that “I did get one outstanding variety, I think. This is a creamy white single with heavy raspberry colored rays extending from the base of the petals almost to the tip. It appears to be a strong grower with good foliage. I am sure that it will become a welcome addition to our commercial list when we introduce it.” And surely Ross Gast was referring to Hibiscus aff. Fiji White.

The flower photo was taken in 2012 by Forest and Kim Starr in the Enchanting Floral Gardens of Kula, Maui, Hawaii (gardens redeveloped and under new ownership) and the potted plant from a Japanese website (sold out). The illustration was done at the Pearl Hotel in Pacific Harbour in 2008 – the Hibiscus on the left looks a lot like aff. Fiji White, but since redevelopment the Hibiscus has not been seen.

Any information on where this species still grows would be much appreciated – please contact us here.