Hibiscus diversifolius

Jacq.

Yellow Hibiscus, Prickly tree hibiscus

Malvaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Vegetable, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 1,087 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Hibiscus diversifolius, the swamp hibiscus, is a widespread species of hibiscus. It grows to between 1 and 2 metres in height, with prickly stems and yellow flowers with a maroon basal spot during spring summer.

Description

A small shrub. It is often scrambling. It is often 1-2 m high but can be a medium sized tree up to 10 m tall. The bark is brownish-grey. The young branches are hairy and densely covered with prickles. The leaves are oval or round and 16 cm long by 16 cm wide. There are 3-7 distinct lobes. There are hairs on both surfaces, those underneath being longer. The edges of the leaves are irregularly toothed or scalloped. The leaf stalk is 12 cm long and hairy. The flowers are yellow or purplish, with a dark red centre. They are 8 cm long. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They can appear to be in groups towards the ends of branches. The fruit is an oval capsule. It is 2 cm long. It is sharply pointed. It is densely covered with silky golden hairs.

Edible Uses

Young leaf buds can be eaten raw or cooked and are considered good in both applications. The young leaves are also edible — mild and quite mucilaginous, they make a pleasant addition to salads. Flowers can be eaten raw or cooked with other foods; they have a very mild flavour and are highly mucilaginous, making an acceptable and visually attractive addition to the salad bowl. The root is edible but very fibrous, with a mucilaginous texture and little flavour.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are cooked and eaten. The leaves may have to be used with caution. They are bitter and sour. They are wilted in the sun then chopped and cooked.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is possibly abortifacient.

Known Hazards

Some caution should be observed when using this plant because there is a report that it might be used to procure abortions. We have no further details.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate regions and can grow in the subtropics. It grows in damp places along rivers and near the edges of lakes. The soil needs to be well drained but wet. It can stand light frosts. In Tanzania it grows from sea level to 1,800 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 1,400-2,100 mm. It grows well in deep clay soils with permanent moisture. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. Adelaide Botanical Gardens.

Where It Grows

Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Fiji, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Rwanda, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, St Helena, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in full sun. A frost-tender shrub, it can be grown as an annual in temperate climates where it can flower and set seed in its first year of growth. Plants can also be overwintered in a cold greenhouse if the winter is fairly mild. As the specific name of this plant suggests, the leaves vary widely in shape. The first leaves to be produced are semi-circular in shape, but later leaves are distinctly three-lobed. Plants are self-fertile.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse. Germination occurs within 2 weeks; pot seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on quickly in a fairly rich compost and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Take half-ripe cuttings in July or August in a frame, though these will be difficult to overwinter without a heated environment.

Other Uses

None known.

Production

Leaves are collected from swamps in the dry season.

Other Information

It is not popular but used during famines and when other vegetables are in short supply.

Notes

There are about 220 Hibiscus species.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Flower	81.1	109	26	0.4	—	—	2.5	0.5
Leaves	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Hibiscus macularis E. MeyerHibiscus ficulneus sensu Cav.

Also Known As

Chatata, Hibisco-do-banhado, Ihirene, Khuluza, Malakwang, Muhangana, Muvava, Native Hibiscus, Swamp hibiscus

References (36)

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