National Museum of Natural Science

Linden hibiscus, belonging to the family Malvaceae, is a native plant commonly found in the plains and coastal regions of Taiwan. It is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical coastal areas, including Guangdong Province in China, the Philippine Islands, the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka, showing remarkable adaptability to saline and windy environments. The linden hibiscus bears large, bright yellow flowers that display a fascinating color transformation—opening vivid yellow in the morning, fading by noon, and turning deep reddish before wilting at dusk. This daily change, associated with floral aging and pollination, highlights the beauty and dynamism of nature while enhancing the plant’s ornamental value. In Taiwan, the linden hibiscus holds special cultural significance because of its practical uses. In traditional Taiwanese cuisine, its broad leaves were often used to line steaming trays for “guo” (粿), a type of rice pastry, giving rise to the local nickname “guo-yeh” (粿葉). This folk practice reflects the plant’s importance in daily life and the resourcefulness of Taiwanese people in using natural materials. Ecologically, the linden hibiscus plays a vital role in coastal protection—its strong tolerance for salinity and wind helps stabilize sandy soils, prevent erosion, and serve as a natural windbreak. Its dense canopy also provides habitat for insects and birds, supporting biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. Today, the linden hibiscus is widely planted in parks, along roadsides, and in gardens for shade and beauty. At the National Museum of Natural Science, linden hibiscus trees flourish in the Coral Atoll Area of the Botanical Garden and along the lawn near the Information Building, where their lush green foliage provides pleasant shade and their long-blooming flowers remain a favorite among visitors throughout the year.