Found in many localities within tropical Queensland this species presents a particularly beautiful display on the flats of Sheppard Creek at Jowalbinna, west of Laura.

Red Hibiscus - Abelmoschus moschatus susp. tuberosus - Photo by Bill Hinton

As if by magic this magnificent hibiscus springs to life with the first thunderstorms of the 'wet". During the "dry" the perennial carrot-like root stock is dormant but the first rains trigger it into lively growth.

This prostrate plant is soon producing striking, rich watermelon pink flowers up to 13cm across. They last of but one day and next morning buds unfurl to present the spectacle anew.

It is a hardy plant making it an excellent garden subject. Seeds germinate readily and with a minimum of care make a decorative pot plants. The plant dies back after blooming, but left undisturbed the tuber will spring to life with the onset of the next summer storms.