Description

• Sea Hibiscus is an evergreen small, spreading tree to 25 ft high and nearly as wide.
• The alternate leaves have long petioles and are heart shaped with pointed tips.
• They are leathery, whitish and pubescent beneath, and 4-8 in long.
• They are bright yellow with a deep red centre upon opening. Over the course of the day, the flowers deepen to orange and finally red before they fall.

Uses

• Mature leaves used to treat fevers and coughs, leaf sap used as laxative or a lubricant for childbirth.
• Flowers used to treat ear infections and abscesses.
• Young leaves eaten as vegetable.
• The wood has been used for seacraft construction, firewood, wood carving and many other uses.
• Seeds used in ointments, perfumes and oils for hair.