Hibiscus diversifolius Jacq.

Shrub 2–2.5 (–4) m high. Branchlets with stellate hairs (one or two size classes, usually fine throughout and sometimes coarse hairs present, hairs scattered or in a longitudinal band on each internode, sparse to very dense), aculei (scattered to moderately dense, 0.5–1.25 mm long) and glandular hairs. Stipules subulate, 4–5 mm long, later caducous, indumentum of stellate and glandular hairs. Climax leaves: petiole 60–170 mm long, indumentum similar to that of branchlet; lamina broadly ovate to orbicular, unlobed to moderately 1–5-lobed (lobes longer than wide or as long as wide), 50–140 mm long, 60–140 mm wide; lamina or lobes apex obtuse, acute or acuminate, margins serrate, base truncate to cordate, subentire or serrate margin, concolorous, the indumentum generally similar on both surfaces, the abaxial surface with the midrib and primary vein indumentum dissimilar to the interveinal regions, with stellate hairs (moderately dense to very dense, the hairs fine), fine bristles (scattered to moderately dense), and glandular hairs, with aculei sometimes also present. Distal leaves reduced in size, narrowly elliptic, narrowly ovate or ovate. Foliar nectary at lamina base, 0.5–3 mm long. Flowers racemose, not pedunculate; pedicel c. 3 mm long, with stellate hairs and coarse bristles; epicalyx with coarse bristles, 7–10-segmented, the segments free at the base, incurved, linear, 0.7–0.8 times the length of the calyx, 10–14 mm long; calyx at anthesis 14–18 mm long, the indumentum yellowish, with moderately to very dense coarse bristles, calyx nectaries absent; petals 3–5 mm long, yellow or pink; staminal column 15–30 mm long, stamens distributed throughout, filaments 1–2 mm long; style exserted 0–6 mm beyond the apex of the staminal column, the branches c. 1 mm long, stigmas capitate, hairs to 0.2 mm long. Capsule ovoid, 20–25 mm long, densely hairy (except for the beak), the simple hairs appressed; beak c. 2 mm long. Seeds angular-reniform, c. 4 mm long. [See also Green (1994: 116–117).]

It grows in warm temperate regions and can grow in the subtropics. It grows in damp places along rivers and near the edges of lakes. The soil needs to be well drained but wet. It can stand light frosts. In Tanzania it grows from sea level to 1,800 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 1,400-2,100 mm. It grows well in deep clay soils with permanent moisture. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. Adelaide Botanical Gardens.

The flowers are cooked and eaten. The leaves may have to be used with caution. They are bitter and sour. They are wilted in the sun then chopped and cooked.

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.