Hibiscus heterophyllus Vent.

A tall shrub or small tree. It grows 3-6 m tall. It can spread to 2-5 m wide. The stems are prickly. The leaves are dark green and narrow. They can be undivided or have 3 deeply divided lobes. Leaves are 5-20 cm long by 10 cm wide. The flowers are large. They occur singly. They are 15 cm across and mostly white. The fruit is a densely hairy oval capsule. It is 2 cm long.

It grows in warm temperate places. It can grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It occurs in moist places in tall open forest. It can stand light frost. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 800 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

The roots and shoots of young plants are eaten raw. They are also cooked. The flowers are used as a garnish. The calyces are used in cooking like rosella. They can be used for jam. CAUTION: As it has been reported as causing kidney problems it should only be eaten in small amounts.

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.