Hibiscus tiliaceus, coastal defender and many more

Hibiscus tiliaceus, coastal defender and many more

Hibiscus tiliaceus is a species of flowering tree that can be found from coastal area up to 800 metres above the sea. Its common names include the Sea Hibiscus or Coast Cottonwood. The habitat ranging from marine intertidal to supratidal areas, including coastal sand dunes, hence it also plays a role in defending retreating shorelines. While it is widely spread across the tropics and subtropics, and even considered invasive in Florida, some Caribbean islands and New Zealand, the population is continuing to decline in some coastal area due to local development.

Historically, H. tiliaceus together with –among others− Terminalia catappa, coconut trees and Pandanus tectorius that grow close to each other provide livelihood to the coastal communities and protect them from coastal storms and flooding. This tree species can tolerate sea spray and able to grow on different soil type from light to heavy textured soils, acid to alkaline soils, even on coral or quartz sands. The extensive root system holds the soil underneath and keep the sediment from being carried away by waves and tidal currents, hence it is recognised for erosion controls and dune stabilisation.

Apart of its wide canopy that provides shade on the beach, almost whole part of this tree is used by the coastal communities for sociocultural purposes as well as folk medicine. The wood is strong enough can tolerate salty water so that can be used as seacraft construction such as canoe outriggers and fishing boat. As it is easy to plane, the wood is also used as furniture, wood carvings and light construction. The fibers and bark are also used for daily usage such as rope, nets, baskets and fishing line. Roots, flowers and young leaves are reported to be edible and have been used as food in times of famine.

In the last decades, in the name of tourism and development, many of this tree are removed from the shoreline and replaced by ornamental garden and/or paved walkway along the beach that built on stone and concrete embankment. Fortunately, in the spirit of working with nature, and realising its wide-range of uses, from environmental services, economic and social benefits, people start replanting this tree in many parts of the world. We can toast to that!