Hibiscus elatus

Common Names

Blue Mahoe, Majagua Azul, Majagua, Mountain Mahoe, Emajagua Excelsa, Algodoeiro-Da-Índia, Cuban Bast, Hibiscus Da Praia, Majó Azul

Summary

Blue mahoe, also called Cuban Bast or majagua, is an erect tropical tree native to Cuba and Jamaica. It typically grows to 15–20 m tall with a straight trunk and broad, finely hairy dark green leaves. It bears large hibiscus-like flowers 7.5–13 cm across that change color from bright yellow to orange-red to crimson. The heartwood displays blue-green, purple, and metallic blue streaks, and timber is hard, durable, and used for cabinets, furniture, flooring, and decorative objects.

Propagation by seed and cuttings is common; it grows rapidly in humid tropical lowland to mid-elevation climates with 1600 mm+ annual rainfall (range 1400–3800 mm) and fertile, moist clay-loam to loam soils with pH 4.5–7.5, and it tolerates full to partial sun. Used as an environmental ornamental tree and for reforestation, it is Jamaica’s national tree; pests and diseases are manageable with good air circulation and drainage.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

66-82 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, fertile loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Yellow to orange to red to crimson

Bloom Time

Year-round, peak May–December

Foliage Color

Dark green on the upper surface; lighter green beneath

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast growth; about 1.8 m per year under favorable moist tropical conditions (roughly 18 m in 10 years).

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts hummingbirds, Attracts bats, Attracts moths, Attracts flies