delirium florens
Hibiscus platanifolius
The second entry in my current series of Malvaceae, Hibiscus platanifolius, was rather difficult to research. There are very few sources accessible online and those tend to provide only basic information. Additionally, texts from its native India and Sri Lanka usually refer to it as Hibiscus eriocarpus. A number of other scientific names are also still in use, as are, of course, numerous common names.
The native range of this species, which is known as the maple-leaved mallow, is the Comoro archipelago, India and Sri Lanka. There appears to be some uncertainty about the species being native or having been introduced to Madagascar. However, it was certainly introduced to Cuba and Trinidad-Tobago. This flowering tree can grow up to about 8 meters or 26 ft in height.
A 1904 German text that provides lists of fibres to be used in textile production names Candagang as a hemp-like yarn made from the bark of Hibiscus eriocarpus.
The species appears to have been used as ingredient in many ayurvedic medicine. Additionally, a 2011 study found potential antioxidant, blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Hibiscus platanifolius
The second entry in my current series of Malvaceae, Hibiscus platanifolius, was rather difficult to research. There are very few sources accessible online and those tend to provide only basic information. Additionally, texts from its native India and Sri Lanka usually refer to it as Hibiscus eriocarpus. A number of other scientific names are also still in use, as are, of course, numerous common names.
The native range of this species, which is known as the maple-leaved mallow, is the Comoro archipelago, India and Sri Lanka. There appears to be some uncertainty about the species being native or having been introduced to Madagascar. However, it was certainly introduced to Cuba and Trinidad-Tobago. This flowering tree can grow up to about 8 meters or 26 ft in height.
A 1904 German text that provides lists of fibres to be used in textile production names Candagang as a hemp-like yarn made from the bark of Hibiscus eriocarpus.
The species appears to have been used as ingredient in many ayurvedic medicine. Additionally, a 2011 study found potential antioxidant, blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering effects.