found along sand dunes

[theuserformallyknownasd00d]

hey guys, I was walking along the sand dunes of thirroul the other day and came across this, kind of reminded me of a morning glory...? The stems and buds are quite prickly/hairy and the seeds inside are almost identical to some morning glory i received via trade... any ideas are appreciated guys, i checked the local weed guides but came up with nothing

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/21/img0626da.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/img0627odn.jpg/

sorry my photos were too large to upload and I dont have a way to make them smaller!

[tripsis]

Looks like a native Hibiscus species.

[theuserformallyknownasd00d]

Oh beauty mate. Do you happen to know if they're all suitable for use in teas etc?

[tripsis]

No idea. Interested to know the answer to that question too.

[theuserformallyknownasd00d]

I'll get onto it tommorrow and let you know! :-)

[ferret]

yep tripsis is onto it, certainly looks like Hibiscus diversifolius

some limited edibility info here, (maybe don't eat if you are a pregnant dood)

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hibiscus+diversifolius

[theuserformallyknownasd00d]

thanks ferret, maybe i should fire up the back shed... sorry horrible taste!

i am very keen to try some of these http://www.hibiscus.org/culinaryexisting.php recipes but very unsure weather to let my girlfriend try any or not!!

edit: hey tripsis it seems there are some types more prized than others, i found this list which is supposedly at the better end of taste..

Abelmoschus esculentus, Okra

Abelmoschus manihot, Aibika

Hibiscus acetosella, False roselle

Hibiscus cannabinus, Kenaf

Hibiscus diversifolius, Swamp hibiscus

Hibiscus heterophyllus, Native rosella

Hibiscus mutabilis, Cotton rose

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Chinese hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa, Roselle

Hibiscus sinosyriacus, Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus, Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus trionum, Flower of an hour

Hibiscus moscheutos, Swamp rose mallow (no reports of edibility but is listed as having medicinal properties)

Edited September 6, 2011 by thed00dabides