Hibiscus: Pohai Ke Aloha

Hibiscus hybrid: "Pohai Ke Aloha" at the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market.  I've been known to show a little weakness for the occasional hibiscus hybrid although I find that they are not overly fond of San Diego Winters.

Hibiscus

A hybrid Hibiscus, a member of the Mallow family.  These always remind me of home...

Leafhopper Assasin Bug Nymph

Leafhopper Assasin Bug Nymph, Zelus rendardii, waiting for prey in a hibiscus on Coronado Island. These bugs are generalized predators of other bugs (i.e., not just leafhoppers). Toxins in their saliva enable them to bite and paralyze their prey while bristles and other adaptataions enable them to hold their prey as they inflict their bite.

Lavatera assurgentiflora

I saw this blooming on the edge of the bog the other day. The flower structure suggests that it is in the Hibiscus family but I'm open to suggestions. Anybody want to take a stab at it? Maybe you have a copy of Hibiscus of the World lying on your bookshelf? Either way, it was pretty so I snapped a quick picture. Besides, it posed better than those tiny burrowing ground owls I was trying to get a picture of.

Much thanks to our anonymous commenter who came to the rescue and provided the name: Lavatera assurgentiflora.