Endemic to Lanai, East Maui and Big Island of Hawaii. Last wild population from Big Island in Puako destroyed by cattle. Some outplanting populations. Closely related to Abutilon eremitopetalum and possible hybrid between the two found in this garden.
The desert if full of surprises in a good year, and 2005 didn't disappoint. The Apricot Mallow always stops us in our tracks. Most of my wildflower photos are taken using my body as a shade umbrella, as the direct desert sun is unkind to the sensor in the camera.