Hibiscus elatus

Native to Cuba and Jamaica, it is a fast-growing tropical tree that can reach sixty-six feet or more. Its flowers change from yellow through orange-red to crimson as they mature. Jamaica’s national tree, it is planted for reforestation and produces durable timber used for cabinets, carvings, bowls and picture frames. The name blue mahoe refers to the blue-green streaks visible in its polished wood. Its inner bark was formerly used to tie bundles of Havana cigars. Photographed in Medellin and Cali, Colombia, where it is used as a street tree.