Scientific Name: Hibiscus Heterophyllus
Common Name: Native Rosella
Indigenous Use
Young shoots, leaves and roots eaten without preparation. Flower were eaten raw or cooked. The fibre was used to make dillie bags. The fibre is strong and prepared by maceration. Also made into hunting nets.
Colonial Use
Buds cooked and made into jam (rosella jam).
When to Use
Flowering usually occurs in spring and summer. The shoots, leaves, roots and fibre all year round.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Hibiscus heterophyllus, commonly known as Native Rosella, are variable in shape, hence the name “heterophyllus.” They can be ovate to lanceolate or deeply lobed, measuring between 5-15 cm in length and 3-7 cm in width. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, with a lighter green underside. The edges can be toothed or smooth, depending on the specific leaf shape (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Bark: The bark of Hibiscus heterophyllus is grey and relatively smooth, becoming slightly rougher as the plant matures. This shrub or small tree can grow up to 6 meters in height and often has a bushy appearance (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: The flowers of Hibiscus heterophyllus are large, showy, and typically white, pale pink, or yellow with a dark red or purple center. Each flower has five petals and measures about 10-15 cm in diameter. Flowering usually occurs in spring and summer, attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies (Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Fruit: The fruit of Hibiscus heterophyllus is a woody capsule, about 2-3 cm long, containing several seeds. The capsules split open when mature to release the seeds, typically in late summer to early autumn (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Floridata, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Eucalyptus Forests: Eucalyptus forests are characterised by their dominant eucalyptus tree species, thriving in a variety of soil types and pH levels, usually ranging from 4.5 to 7. These forests support a diverse understory of shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, and are adapted to periodic fires which help in seed germination and pest control. Common plants found in eucalyptus forests include wattles, grevilleas, and native grasses. These ecosystems are prominent in areas such as Toohey Forest, the Glass House Mountains, and D’Aguilar National Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens (2024). Hibiscus heterophyllus. Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/hibiscus-heterophyllus [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Plants of the World Online (2024). Hibiscus heterophyllus. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid
.org:names:825413-1 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Floridata (2024). Hibiscus heterophyllus. Available at: https://www.floridata.com/Plants/Malvaceae/Hibiscus-heterophyllus/862 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Cribb, A.B. and J.W., Useful Wild Plants. Fontana Books 1982
Cribb A.B. and J.W., Wild Food in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1974
Leiper, Glen, Muteroo: Plant use by Australian Aboriginal People. Eagleby South State School, Brisbane
Maiden, J., The Useful Plants of Australia (including Tasmania) First publ. 1889. Published by Compendium Pty Ltd 1975.
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.