10 Seeds w/Instructions
Also known as Sunset Hibiscus, Abelmoschus manihot is a quick growing deciduous upright perennial to 6 feet tall or more by 3 to 4 feet wide with upright lightly hairy stems and short side branches holding deeply lobed palmate dark green leaves. It was first listed in the US by a Philadelphia nurseryman in 1806. From early summer through fall the foliage provides a great foil to the showy and outward facing 5 to 6 inch wide lemon yellow flowers, each with a distinctive dark red-purple eye, that last but one day. Plant in full sun a good garden soil with regular to occasional irrigation. Hardy to around 10F and useful in USDA Zones 8a-11, or grown as an annual in cooler climates. Attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, they are followed by green, hairy seed pods. But even without these gorgeous blooms, this plant is worth growing for its palmate divided, deep green leaves. The leaves and flower buds can be served raw or cooked. It is in fact considered by some to be the world's most nutritious leafy vegetable because of its high protein content (12% protein by dry weight) and is also very high in vitamins A and C, and iron.
Other: Island Spinach, Sweet Hibiscus, Edible Hibiscus, Palmate-leaved Hibiscus, Sunset Muskmallow, Sunset Hibiscus, Hibiscus Spinach, Lettuce Tree, hibiscus manihot, Queensland greens, South Sea Salad Tree, Bele Tree, Tongan spinach, rare flower, rare seeds
