Hibiscus lobatus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 50-70 cm tall. It is hairy. The lower leaves are oval and the leaves higher up are divided or have 3 leaflets. The lower leaves are 2 cm long by 3 cm wide. The flowers usually occur singly. The fruit is a broad capsule 7 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist open forests in Hainan in China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, China, Himalayas, India, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, West Africa

How it is used for food

The unripe fruit are used.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Isindailay, Kattuvendai

Synonyms

Hibiscus albus Wall.; Hibiscus ochroleucus Baker; Hibiscus parkeri Baker; Hibiscus pumilus Roxb.; Hibiscus solandra L'Her. [Illegitimate}; Hibiscus torulosus Salisb.; Laguna lobata (Murray) Willd.; Laguna sileniflora Wall.; Sida diversifolia Spreng.; Solandra lobata Murray; Triguera acerifolia Cav.;