Cottonwood Tree (Hibiscus Tiliaceus)

Cottonwood (also called Hibiscus tiliaceus) is a small tree or large shrub that grows in coastal areas of northern and eastern Australia. It has large, heart-shaped green leaves and pretty yellow flowers that turn orange or red as they get older.

Indigenous Australians have many uses for Cottonwood. The soft, inner bark was used to make string or rope and the flowers and young leaves could be used in cooking. Sometimes the leaves were heated and used as wraps for food or medicine.

Cottonwood trees grow well in sandy or salty soil near the beach, rivers, and mangroves. They are tough and can survive in windy and salty conditions.