Sea Salad Hibiscus Tree (Abelmoschus manihot)

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3 in stock

Pot Size

Tropical Supergreen with Stunning Blooms & Nutririous Leaves

The Sea Salad Hibiscus Tree, also known as Aibika, Bele, or Sunset Muskmallow, is a fast-growing, leafy perennial native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Celebrated for its stunning lemon-yellow flowers and deeply lobed, edible leaves, this plant combines ornamental beauty with exceptional nutritional value. Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and protein, its tender leaves are a staple in traditional dishes across the Pacific, often cooked in coconut milk or added to soups and stews. Easy to grow and maintain, the Sea Salad Hibiscus Tree is a must-have for gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and edible abundance.

Why You'll Love It:

  • Nutrient-Rich Leaves: High in vitamins A and C, iron, and protein—perfect for boosting your diet.
  • Edible Beauty: Large, showy yellow flowers add tropical flair to gardens and are also edible.
  • Versatile Culinary Uses: Leaves can be eaten raw, cooked, or used to thicken soups and stews.
  • Easy Propagation: Grows readily from cuttings; no rooting hormone needed.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional food source in Pacific Island cuisines, known as Aibika or Bele.

Growing Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
  • Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil wail
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; avoid waterlogging.
  • Planting: Propagate from seeds or cuttings; plant 12 inches apart.
  • Maintenance: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prolongs harvest
Scientific Name Hibiscus tiliaceus
Common Names Sea Hibiscus, Mahoe, Coastal Hibiscus, Beach Hibiscus
Family Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Origin Tropical coastlines worldwide (Asia, Pacific, Caribbean)
Plant Type Flowering Shrub / Tree
Life Cycle Perennial
Food Forest Layer Mid-Story / Canopy / Windbreak Layer
Mature Size 10–25 ft tall (can be pruned smaller)
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Needs Low to Moderate
Harvest Season Year-round foliage and flower production
Time to Harvest 1 year for edible flowers/leaves
Self-Fertile Yes
Growth Rate Fast
Zones USDA Zones 9–11
Florida Native No (naturalized in coastal areas)
Propagation Cuttings, Seeds
Seasonal Characteristics Evergreen in warm zones; deciduous in mild winters
All of our plants ship in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots! Just pop them in the ground or reuse and recycle. Want to learn more about our plant sizes and how to grow them? 👉 Checkout the Full Guide Here

Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!

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