Day Eleven: Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo

 

Pencil drawing, Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo

"Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo (Hibiscus waimeae) has two subspecies. The subspecies hannerae is federally listed as an endangered species. It is distinguished by the much larger leaves and smaller flowers than appear in subspecies waimeae." Source: Native Plants Hawaii website.

Oh, Rare Hibiscus

Beautiful Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo
as white as the whitest sunshine
your red heart, the heart of the sun
in Molokaʻi, in my beloved Ko'olau forest.

You alone, oh rare hibiscus!
your sweet strength, this fragrance
opening for me in the morning
closing for me at night.

Heaven on earth:
Hana Mana, Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo.

@mscator, 11.15.21