Malvaviscus arboreus

Malvaviscus arboreus

Family: Malvaceae

Common name: Sleeping Hibiscus

This shrub, reaching up to 1 meter in height, has slightly hairy branchlets and alternately arranged, stalked leaves. The leaves are broadly cordate to ovate-cordate, sometimes tri-lobed, with smooth edges. The plant produces red, tubular flowers that are borne singly at the leaf axils. Its fleshy fruits ripen to a bright red color and typically contain 3 to 4 seeds. The flowers attract sunbirds, which feed on their nectar.

Traditionally, this plant has been used in herbal medicine. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat cystitis, diarrhea, fever, and gastritis, while a decoction of the flowers is used as a gargle for sore throats, as well as to soothe nursing infants with colds, bronchitis, diarrhea, thrush, and tonsillitis. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes and is also popular as a potted plant due to its colorful flowers.