Hibiscus vitifolius

Hibiscus vitifolius, the grape-leaved mallow or tropical rose mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae.^[2] It is native to the seasonally dry Old World tropics and subtropics, and has been introduced to the West indies. A perennial herb reaching 2 m (6 ft) and becoming woody at maturity, it is found in a wide variety of habitats, and is a weed of cultivation.^[3] It is used locally as a source of fiber, often mixed with jute.^[3]

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.^[1]

Hibiscus vitifolius is native to tropical parts of Africa, the Middle East, India and southeastern Asia.^[3] It has been introduced to most of the islands of the Caribbean.^[1]

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.^[3]

The following subspecies are accepted:^[1]

• Hibiscus vitifolius subsp. lukei Mwachala & Cheek – central Kenya
• Hibiscus vitifolius subsp. vitifolius – entire range