Hibiscus schizopetalus


Hibiscus schizopetalus is a species of Hibiscus native to tropical eastern Africa in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. Its common names include fringed rosemallow, Japanese lantern, coral hibiscus, and spider hibiscus.

Description

Hibiscus schizopetalus is a shrub growing to tall.
The red or pink flowers are very distinctive in their frilly, finely divided petals.
Flowers with finely dissected petal have a range of colours, the most common being the red form. Leaves resemble those of H. rosa-sinensis.
The major anthocyanin found in flowers of H. schizopetalus is cyanidin-3-sambusophoroside. From leaves, two new triterpene esters have been isolated.

Uses

Cultivation

Hibiscus schizopetalus is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use in tropical and subtropical gardens. In temperate climates it does not tolerate temperatures below ; but can be placed outside during the summer months, in a sheltered spot with full sun, in alkaline or neutral soil. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.