Hibiscus vitifolius L.

 

Family: Malvaceae

Synonym: Fioria vitifolia (L.) Mattei 

Vernacular name: Kattuvelluram, Vellaooral

Habit: Shrub

Habitat: Dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the plains

Distribution: Paleotropics 

Flowering and Fruiting: April-December

Key identification features: It is shrub with green stems covered with densely covered with glandular and stellate hairs. The simple leaves are alternate. They are broadly ovate or more commonly 3-5-lobed. The yellow corolla has a dark purple center. The seeds are brown, reniform.

Uses: Used as a liver protective medicine.