Puarangi Explained

Puarangi is the common name for several species of hibiscus found in New Zealand.^[1]

• Hibiscus diversifolius, also known as swamp hibiscus, and prickly hibiscus. Native to New Zealand and numerous other countries. Petals are pale yellow with a maroon base, making a maroon centre to the flower.
• Hibiscus richardsonii. Native to New Zealand and New South Wales, Australia. Petals are entirely pale yellow.^[2]
• Hibiscus trionum. Naturalised in New Zealand – historically considered native, until the native H. richardsonii was recognised as a separate species. Petals are pale yellow with a maroon base, making a maroon centre to the flower.^[2]

References

1. Web site: Herb of the Month – Puarangi – Native Hibiscus Hibiscus trionum . Canterbury Horticultural Society . 27 May 2023.
2. Craven . L. A. . de Lange . P. J. . Lally . T. R. . Murray . B. G. . Johnson . S. B. . 2011 . A taxonomic re-evaluation of Hibiscus trionum (Malvaceae) in Australasia . New Zealand Journal of Botany . 49 . 1 . 10.1080/0028825X.2010.542762 . 27 May 2023.