Sun Hibiscus, Lemon-eyed rose mallow
Hibiscus calyphyllus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows about 50-200 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are almost round but with 3 lobes. They are heart shaped at the base and there are teeth along the edge. The leaves are about 19 cm across. The leaf stalks are 5 cm long. The flowers are bell shaped and yellow. They are about 6 cm across and have a dark red centre. The fruit are dry and break open into segments.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It is best in light shade. It grows well with moist, hot summers. It grows in rainforest and along rivers. It suits humid locations. It can grow up to 2,100 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 1,100-1,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Asia, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Hawaii, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The flowers can be cooked and eaten. The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are wilted, chopped and boiled.

It is eaten frequently but in small amounts. It is a minor vegetable of local importance.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, vegetable, bark, gum

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They can also be grown from cuttings.

It is fairly fast growing. Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Dzabuire, Gnilorbey, Kungala, Mmabasete, Tid, Umukoongwa, Waru matahari, Wildestokroos

Synonyms

Hibiscus borbonicus Link; Hibiscus calycinus Willd.; Hibiscus calycosus A. Rich.; Hibiscus ficarius E. Mey. ex Harv.; Hibiscus grandifolius Hochst. ex A. Rich.; Hibiscus subtrilobatus Hochst. ex Mast.; Hibiscus triumfettifolius Thonn.;