Monarch Rosemallow. Ruby hibiscus, Clavelina
Hibiscus radiatus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Hibiscus radiatus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Probably originated in the Asian tropics, but widely naturalized throughout the tropics.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Brazil, China, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Paraguay, SE Asia*, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Suriname, Swaziland, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The leaves are edible.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has medicinal uses.

Other

Rating: 2

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for cordage and textiles. Attracts Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds. Can be grown in containers.

Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!

Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.

Minor Global Crop: These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.

Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!

Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.

Minor Global Crop: These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

This species is often confused with H. cannabinus, but it is an allotetraploid hybrid of H. cannabinus and perhaps H. surattensis.

Propagating it: Seed. Cuttings: stem, tip and cane.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Fu she ci fu rong, Kembang sepatu merah, Monarch rosemallow

Synonyms

Canhamo braziliensis Perini Hibiscus cannabinus unidens Hochr. Hibiscus lindleyi Wall.