Hibiscus tiliaceus is a common coastal plant in Eastern and Northern Australia, Oceania, Maldives, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It has become naturalized in parts of the New World, such as Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.[3] It is uncertain if the species is native to Hawaii, as it may have been introduced by the Polynesians.[4] Hibiscus tiliaceus can be found at elevations from sea level to 800 m (2,600 ft) in areas that receive 900–2,500 mm (35–98 in) of annual rainfall. It is commonly found growing on beaches, by rivers and in mangrove swamps. Sea Hibiscus is well adapted to grow in coastal environment in that it tolerates salt and waterlogging and can grow in quartz sand, coral sand, marl, limestone,[5] and crushed basalt.[6] It grows best in slightly acidic to alkaline soils (pH of 5-8.5).[5] The plant lends its name to a coastal community in Cotton Tree, Queensland, Australia.