Climbing hibiscus, Musk mallow
Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. tuberosus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are about 15 Abelmoschus species. They are tropical and subtropical.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in light well drained soils. It suits a protected lightly shaded position. It is damaged by drought and frost. It must grow where temperatures are above 5°C. It often grows in open forest and amongst annual grasses. It is often near creeks and in depressions on river flats. Because of the thickened root it is able to survive fires and dry periods.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, China, Congo DR, East Africa, Indochina, Laos, Madagascar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Taiwan, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves, shoots and roots are eaten raw or cooked

The plant is eaten in Australia but it is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed or cuttings. The underground tubers die off but re-grow. Plants can be transplanted easily during the time when the tops have died back.

The plant flowers from December to March in the Southern hemisphere. Fruit occur from January to April. The stem die back each year to a tuberous root. This root tastes like a carrot.

Its other names

Local names

Jian ye qiu kui, Musk seed, Yabu

Synonyms

Hibiscus rhodopetalus; Abelmoschus moschatus var. tuberosus Span.; Hibiscus sagittaefolius auct. non Kurz. Gagn.; Hibiscus subnudus Craib ex Kerr.;