From Lagunaea, a related genus now included in Hibiscus in which L. patersonia was once placed and commemorating Andres de Laguna (1494–1560), a Spanish physician and botanist.

Evergreen conical tree. Leaves alternate, scaly. Flowers axillary and like a small Hibiscus (see description below); late spring to early summer. Epicalyx cup-like and soon shed or appearing as a ridge at the base of the calyx.

Reported as naturalised in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

2 species, 1 from Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, and 1 from Queensland.

Seed sown in spring.

Scurfy scales on leaves; epicalyx of 3-5 bracts.

Craven, Miller & White (2006)

Source: Beers, L.; Spencer, R. (1997). Hibiscus. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.

Updated by: Rob Cross, April 2018