Hibiscus trionum in Fruit
December 23, 2012
Photographer: David Butler; David's Web site
Summary Author: David Butler
Shown above is a Hibiscus trionum in fruit. The short-lived blooms of this plant last less than a single day and are the basis of its common name: flower of an hour. In the photo, we can't see the fruit itself, but rather the expanded globe-like sepals (calyx) that surround a five-part dry capsule. When it does bloom, its tiny little hibiscus flower is about one to two and a half in (2.5 - 6 cm) wide -- petals can be white or yellow. In Indiana, where this picture was snapped, the flowers bloom between July and September. Hibiscus trionum is considered a noxious weed in the U.S. Photo taken on July 8, 2011.