Hibiscus caesius

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small herb which grows each year from seed. It has a few erect stems. It grows 0.5-1.5 m high and spreads 0.5-1 m wide. The stems are smooth. The leaves are 3-7 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. They are divided into 5-7 sword shaped lobes. These are 2.5-7 cm long. They are dark green. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are 6-8 cm across and yellow with a red blotch in the centre. The flowers occur singly in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is a capsule 2-2.5 cm long by 2 cm wide. It is round and hairy. The seeds are smooth.

There are about 220 Hibiscus species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in northern Australia. It grows on heavy soils along stream banks. It needs an open sunny position and well drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Namibia, Pakistan, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The young buds are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Buds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Plants grow rapidly in the wet season.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hibiscus gibsonii Stocks ex Harv.; Hibiscus pentaphyllus F. Muell.;