Hibiscus fragilis

The Mandrinette looks rather similar to the Chinese Hibiscus and the introduction of that to Mauritius as a garden plant is one of the main reasons for the dramatic decline of the Mandrinette. Only 46 mature individuals exist in the wild but they are not able to reproduce due to competition from and hybridisation with this invasive Hibiscus species.

Hibiscus fragilis is one of the original, native species hibiscus plants that is a probably ancestor to the modern hibiscus hybrids. It was discovered on the island of Mauritius, but is almost extinct in the wild. Only a few dozen plants of it are known to still be growing on the island, but botanical gardens such as the Kew Gardens in England have made efforts to save it from extinction. More