Flor de Maga, national flower of Puerto Rico. It is an attractive tree of small to medium size of approximately between 9 to 15 meters, native of Puerto Rico of humid limestone forests. Its scientific name is Thespesia grandiflora although it is known more as mage flower.
This tree was introduced in several Caribbean countries and southern Florida. It has large and rough trunk, with many deep grooves, its leaves are large, smooth, smooth edge and heart-shaped.
Its flowers are large, open and solitary hibiscus type red or dark pink with 5 petals. It produces flowers and fruits all year round, this tree gives a round fruit with a sharp point that can be fleshy or hard and does not open until ripe.
This species produces valuable wood because it is hard, fine texture, low luster, heavy and has no growth rings, it has been used to make furniture and musical instruments. It grows better in fertile soils, deep and well drained.
