Cowitch Tree
Lagunaria patersonii

Location: 43500 Mission Blvd
Park: Ohlone College Campus
District: Mission San Jose
Native to: Oceania
Tree type: flowering
Leaf retention: evergreen

Comments: Broadleaf evergreen native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific between Australia and New Zealand. Gray-green 2" ovate leaves, and pink to purple flowers with a prominent yellow stamen. Height to 40' when mature making it the largest hibiscus plant species. Caution: seed pods have short bristly hairs that irritate the skin. Also known as a Primrose tree or Norfolk Island Hibiscus. This tree was identified by Dan Rivera.

Links to additional information on this tree species:  Link   Link

To prevent the transfer of disease and other considerations, do not touch or take samples from the specimen tree or any other plants on the property.

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Illustration by Hugh Danaher