Native rosella, Australian native Sorrel
Hibiscus heterophyllus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub or small tree. It grows 3-6 m tall. It can spread to 2-5 m wide. The stems are prickly. The leaves are dark green and narrow. They can be undivided or have 3 deeply divided lobes. Leaves are 5-20 cm long by 10 cm wide. The flowers are large. They occur singly. They are 15 cm across and mostly white. The fruit is a densely hairy oval capsule. It is 2 cm long.

There are about 220 Hibiscus species.

Where it is found

It grows in warm temperate places. It can grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It occurs in moist places in tall open forest. It can stand light frost. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 800 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Myanmar, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The roots and shoots of young plants are eaten raw. They are also cooked. The flowers are used as a garnish. The calyces are used in cooking like rosella. They can be used for jam. CAUTION: As it has been reported as causing kidney problems it should only be eaten in small amounts.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Plants are fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Batham, Dtharang-gange, Green Kurrajong, Queensland Sorrel, Toilet Paper Bush

Synonyms

Hibiscus flabellatus Desf.; Hibiscus grandiflorus Salisb.; Hibiscus heterophyllus var. - several; Hibiscus margeriae A. Cunn. ex Benth.;