Pavonia odorata

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A slightly woody herb. The leaves are oval or heart shaped. They are 3-5 angled. They are 4-6 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. The flowers are in the axils. The fruit are round, smooth and do not have wings.

There are about 250 Pavonia species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow in dry places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Avibattam, Bala, Balarakkasi, Chitti benda, Erra, Hribera, Kalavala, Kalowalo, Kotle ara, Kuruntotti, Kuti, Naguri ara, Peramutiberu, Peramutti, Sugandha-bala, Sukantha bala, Tige benda

Synonyms

Hibiscus oligosandrus Buch.-Ham.; Pavonia romborua Wall.; Pavonia rosea Wall.;