Rose mallow, Swamp rose mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A bushy herb. It is erect and coarse. It keeps growing from year to year. It is similar to okra. It grows 1-2.5 m tall. The leaf stalk is 4-10 cm long. The leaves are broad and angular. Sometimes they have 2 side lobes. The leaf blade is 10-18 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. The flower has 5 petals. They are cream coloured. It has a yellow centre. Flowers are 10-14 cm across. The fruit is a capsule which is cone shaped. It is 2.5-3 cm across. The seeds are kidney shaped and 2-3 mm across.
There are about 220 Hibiscus species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It will grow in swamps and marshes. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
America, Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Indochina, Korea, North America (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Slovenia, Thailand, USA
How it is used for food
The seed are used to flavour coffee.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Amberseed, Ambrette, Fu rong kui, Musk seed, Phuttan-rah