Manioc-hibiscus (Abelmoschus manihot, Malvenfam.: 46 (1787))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: (L.) Medik.

Bibliography: Malvenfam.: 46 (1787)

Year: 1787

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Abelmoschus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: India to C. China and Malesia

Description

The Manioc-hibiscus, scientifically known as Abelmoschus manihot, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and diverse geographic distribution. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and has been documented in literature going back to 1787, specifically in “Malvenfam.: 46.”

This plant is native to a broad region stretching from India to Central China and Malesia. Its notable hardiness and adaptability have allowed it to thrive in various climates across these areas. The Manioc-hibiscus is renowned for its vibrant and appealing flowers, which contribute not only to its aesthetic value but also to its role in traditional and medicinal practices in various cultures within its native range.

In terms of growth, Abelmoschus manihot typically features large, lobed leaves and stout stems. The flowers are generally yellow with a characteristic dark center, making them quite eye-catching. This plant often grows in tropical and subtropical climates, where it enjoys warm temperatures and adequate rainfall.

Apart from its ornamental use, Manioc-hibiscus is also recognized for its utility in local cuisine and herbal medicine. In some cultures, its leaves and flowers are used in cooking, providing not only flavor but also nutritional benefits. Additionally, different parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional medicine to address a variety of ailments.

Overall, the Manioc-hibiscus is a versatile and resilient plant with significant cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance throughout its native regions. Its enduring presence from ancient times to modern-day underscores its value and the deep connection people have with this remarkable species.

Common Names

Deu: maniok-bisameibisch
Eng: sunset muskmallow, manioc-hibiscus, sunset-hibiscus
Fij: bele, mbele
Por: quiabo-bravo, quiabo-de-jardim
Swe: solokra
En: Manioc-hibiscus, Sunset-hibiscus, Manioc hibiscus, Sunset muskmallow, Aibika, Sunset Huskmallow, Mbele
Bi: Ailan kapis
Zh: 黄蜀葵
Fj: Mbele, Bele
De: Maniok-Bisameibisch
Ko: Hwangchokgyu, 닥풀
Ms: Aibika
Pt: Quiabo-bravo, Quiabo-de-jardim
Sv: Solokra
Tl: Lagikway
To: Pele
Vi: Thục quỳ vàng

Synonyms

• Hibiscus papyriferus (Salisb.)
• Hibiscus manihot (L.)
• Hibiscus manihot var. typicus (Hochr.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Liberia (introduced)
• Line Is. (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Oman (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Santa Cruz Is. (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by johann m (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Marin Joan Antoni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2020 by Leal Jana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Jade Moueaou (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 4, 2019 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2018 by Sharath Kathare (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Jade Moueaou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2019 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Harrie Hermans (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152706)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:558020-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik.)

Specifications

Growth