Hibiscus fragilis

Hibiscus fragilis, commonly known as the mandrinette, is an extremely rare evergreen shrub endemic to the steep mountain slopes of Mauritius and Rodrigues. It produces striking bright pink to carmine red flowers and is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hybridization with the invasive Chinese hibiscus. It gained international recognition when a photograph of its flowers served as the basis for Andy Warhol's 1964 'Flowers' pop art series.

It is strictly endemic to the Mascarene Islands, specifically found on the steep slopes of the Corps de Garde and Le Morne Brabant mountains in Mauritius, with a few additional plants historically recorded on Rodrigues.

Due to its extreme rarity, its primary value is ecological and botanical, serving as a major focus for ex situ conservation and reintroduction efforts. It also holds unique artistic value as the original subject of Andy Warhol's famous 1964 'Flowers' series.