Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia); Evergreen (Alyxia gynopogon), 1790s

Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia); Evergreen (Alyxia gynopogon), 1790s

Dixson Library, State Library of NSW; Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952; DL PXX 1, Series 01, f. 15

Watercolour

There are around 106 species of the genus Alyxia growing in Australasia.
Lagunaria Patersonia is commonly known as the Norfolk Island hibiscus or Queensland white oak.
Lagunaria Patersonia is a pyramid-like tree growing around five metres tall and six metres wide.
The Evergreen shrub is only known to occur on Norfolk Island.
The Evergreen’s specific name Alyxia gynopogon comes from the Greek gyne (female) and pogon (a beard) which refers to the hairs on the plant.
Lagunaria Patersonia is found on Norfolk Island and coastal Queensland and New South Wales.
Lagunaria Patersonia has hibiscus-like flowers and seed capsules with fine sharp hairs that can irritate the skin.
Evergreen shrubs are widespread across Norfolk Island, growing in shaded forest areas.
Lagunaria Patersonia is named after Spanish botanist and physician, Andres Laguna.