Sida fallax (called ‘ilima in Hawai‘ian) is a small herbaceous plant in the Hibiscus family (Malvaceae). It occurs across the Pacific and is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands where it was the original flower used in lei making. The flowers are small, roughly 3/4 - 1 inch in diameter, with five petals and are a golden yellow color. Plants may be erect or prostrate and are found in drier areas in sandy soils, often near the ocean. Sometimes used as a groundcover in tropical areas. It is also the symbol of Laloimehani and is the flower for the island of Oahu

External links

• Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database: Sida fallax