About Hibiscus vitifolius L.
Hibiscus vitifolius L. is a stiff, erect plant that grows up to two meters tall, and its stem sometimes shows red tinges. Its leaves are broadly ovate, with either a cordate or truncate base and a crenate margin. Inflorescences grow both as terminal cymes and in leaf axils. The calyx is semi-fused. The corolla consists of five overlapping petals, which are colored yellow or pale lilac, and have a dark red blotch at the petal base. After flowering, the plant produces a pale brown capsule that holds blackish, wedge-shaped seeds. Hibiscus vitifolius is native to tropical regions of Africa, the Middle East, India, and southeastern Asia. It has been introduced to most islands of the Caribbean. This species grows in a wide variety of habitats, including woodland, forest clearings, grassland, bushland dominated by Acacia and Commiphora, scrubland, wasteland, and roadsides. It can be found at altitudes up to 3000 meters.
