Abelmoschus ficulneus (L.) Wight & Arn.

A small erect shrub. It grows from 0.5 to 1.5 m tall and spreads from 0.5 to 2 m across. The leaves are 5-8 cm long by 4-7 cm across. The upper leaves have deep lobes. The edges of the leaves have shallow rounded teeth. The flower stalks occur at the end of branches. They are covered with velvety hairs. The flowers are 5-7 cm across. The flowers have short stalks and are white to red. Flowers last a couple of days. The seed capsule is 5 angled. Under the ground there is a fattened root storage system which develops as plants dry off. The plant has small hairs which cause itching.

Usually found in grassland, bushland, fallows or as a weed in cultivated land. It also occurs in water-logged soils near rivers. Found at elevations from near sea level to 1,350 metres.

The roots and leaves are eaten. They are roasted. The seeds are used for perfuming coffee. They can also be used for sweetmeats. The fruit are eaten raw.

It can be grown from seed. It can also be grown from stem cuttings which start to grow easily. During the time when plants have died back they can easily be transplanted by carefully lifting the underground storage system.