Abelmoschus manihot

Abelmoschus manihot

 

Abelmoschus manihot

Common name:            Aibika, Pacific Spinach, Sunset Hibiscus

Synonyms:                  Hibiscus manihot

Plant Family:                Malvaceae

Type:                         perennial, edible

Growth rate:                     fast,  height x width:  2 x 0.45 m. (6' 7" x 1' 6")

Growth habit:               erect

Main season of interest:              Summer

Predominant colours:     leaf ~    green

                                flower ~ yellow

                                stem ~ red & green

Position:                           full sun

Soil:                                   moist, clay, sandy, pH preference: Neutral-Acid, pH tolerance: Any

Hardiness:                        minimum temperature -3°C (26.6°F), USDA Zone 10 to 11

Origin:                              Asia

Description:

Tender perennial, often grown as an annual. Erect, sparsely branched habit with reddish stems and large, palmately lobed leaves. Large Hibiscus-like pale yellow flowers with purplish centres.

Cultivation:

Fertile, moist, well drained soil in full sun. Needs a warm climate to overwinter or grow as an annual. Will tolerate short periods just below freezing, if in well drained soil. Thrives well in areas with hot summers.

Can be grown in a pot.

Propagation:

From seed, at a temperature of around 24°C. Transplant after risk of frosts.

Also strikes easily from cuttings.

Design and Use Notes:

Leaves and flower petals are edible, raw or lightly cooked, and are nutritious with a high protein content.

Very ornamental plant for kitchen gardens.

Other Notes:

Native to tropical Sout-East Asia and Australia.