Hibiscus taiwanensis


Hibiscus taiwanensis, or the Taiwan cotton rose, is a native plant in Taiwan, which lives in China and low altitude in Taiwan. It is a species of plant in the Malvaceae family. The form of flower is different from Hibiscus mutabilis in China, which is double. It can attract butterflies.

Botany

Hibiscus taiwanensis can grow to 3–5 meters. The leaves are broad ovate to circular, 7–10 cm long and 6–8 cm broad; simple leaves with long petioles about 10–16 cm ; arranged in alternate; subcampanulate corolla, 6-9 in diameter. Its bloom season is in August to October; fruits form in November to December. In the early morning, the flowers are white, but they turn light pink by noon and become an even deeper pink in the afternoon.
Hibiscus taiwanensis is a light-demanding plant; it needs lots of sunlight. It is drought-enduring and resistant to pollution and barren soil.

Use

The wood of Hibiscus taiwanensis can be made into clogs. Additionally, the petals of H. taiwanesis are edible; its roots can be used as medicine.