Hibiscus brachychlaenus
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 1-2 m high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped. The leaf stalks are short. The leaves are dull green and there are blunt teeth along the edge. The flowers are 5-7 cm across and pale purple with a dark red central spot. The flowers occur singly in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is a capsule 2 cm long by 2 cm wide. It is round and hairy. The seeds have silky hairs.
There are about 220 Hibiscus species.
Where it is found
It grows in central Australia. It suits warm dry climates. It grows on sandy soils. It can tolerate some frost. It needs a sunny location and well drained soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.