Hibiscus brachychlaenus
F. Muell.
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(c) johneichler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by johneichler
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) gillbsydney, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A small shrub. It grows 1-2 m high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped. The leaf stalks are short. The leaves are dull green and there are blunt teeth along the edge. The flowers are 5-7 cm across and pale purple with a dark red central spot. The flowers occur singly in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is a capsule 2 cm long by 2 cm wide. It is round and hairy. The seeds have silky hairs.
Edible Uses
The roots are eaten.
Distribution
It grows in central Australia. It suits warm dry climates. It grows on sandy soils. It can tolerate some frost. It needs a sunny location and well drained soils.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Notes
There are about 220 Hibiscus species.
References (3)
- Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 190
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1990, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 5. Lothian. p 355
- Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 289
