Hibiscus surattensis L.

 

Family: Malvaceae

Synonym: No synonym

Vernacular name: Kakkapoovu, Mampazhaya, Pulichai, Panchakam

Habit: Undershrub

Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution:  Tropical & sub-Tropical regions of the Old World

Flowering and Fruiting: September-February

Key identification features: Scandent or trailing undershrubs with armed stems, petioles, and pedicels have lobed leaves and prickly margins. The solitary creamy-yellow flowers have a dark purplish center, and the capsules are densely covered with closely appressed hairs, enclosing angular, brownish-black seeds .

Uses: natural dye, yielding various shades of reds and pinks.