Hibiscus vitifolius
Hibiscus vitifolius, the grape-leaved mallow or tropical rose mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to the seasonally dry Old World tropics and subtropics, and has been introduced to the West indies. A perennial herb reaching and becoming woody at maturity, it is found in a wide variety of habitats, and is a weed of cultivation. It is used locally as a source of fiber, often mixed with jute.
Description
The plant is a stiff and erect, growing to up to two metres, with a sometimes red-tinged stem. The leaves are broadly ovate, with a cordate or truncate base and a crenate margin. The inflorescence grows in a terminal cyme and in the leaf axils. The calyx is semi-fused. The corolla has five overlapping petals, yellow or pale lilac, with a dark red blotch at the base. The flower is followed by a pale brown capsule containing blackish, wedge-shaped seeds.Distribution
Hibiscus vitifolius is native to tropical parts of Africa, the Middle East, India and southeastern Asia. It has been introduced to most of the islands of the Caribbean.Habitat
The plant has a wide range of habitats, being found in woodland, forest clearings, grassland, bushland dominated by Acacia and Commiphora, scrubland, wasteland and roadsides, at altitudes of up to 3000 metres.Subtaxa
The following subspecies are accepted:- Hibiscus vitifolius subsp. lukei – central Kenya
- Hibiscus vitifolius subsp. vitifolius – entire range