Hibiscus hispidissimus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It grows 1.5 m tall. It can be trailing. It has hairs and prickles. The leaves are broadly oval or with 3-5 lobes spread out like fingers on a hand. The leaves are 3-10 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are yellow with a purple centre. The fruit is an oval capsule 1.5 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In southern China it grows at about 1,500 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten raw and used in soups. The fruit are cooked or fried as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

In southern India plants flower and fruit September to March.

Its other names

Local names

Adavi, Mehnal, Mupparacham, Paruthiyila, Pulchapu

Synonyms

Hibiscus aculeatus Roxb.; Hibiscus surattensis var. furcatus Roxb. ex Hochr.;