Hibiscus nigricaulis Baker F.

Annual (sometimes biennial), 1.0-1.5 m high; stems aculeate and stellate-pubescent. Leaves suborbicular in outline, lower leaves deep palmately 3-7(-9)-lobed, lobes ± oblanceolate, apex obtuse to acute, margins serrate, base cuneate to shallowly cordate with slit-like nectary. Flowers axillary, solitary or clustered on flowering branches; peduncles articulating at base. Epicalyx bracts with apex obscurely bifurcate, outer fork 2 mm long, margins coarsely, bulbous-based bristled. Calyx 5-lobed, lobes lanceolate with conspicuous central nectary, finely stellate-pubescent interspersed with coarse, bulbous-based bristles; becoming coriaceous at maturity. Petals obovate, cream-coloured to light yellow, purple-centred. Staminal tube 10-14 mm long; filaments 0.5 mm long. Flowering time summer. Fruit an ovoid capsule. Seeds subreniform, dark brown.

Ruderal and wild, in old cultivated lands and waste places, disturbed native vegetation, moist places and marshland. Dry scrub; humid places; 'dembos'; roadsides, fallow, waste land; at elevations from 1,100-1,800 metres.

Can be grown by seedlings. Seeds needs soaking.