Sea Salad Hibiscus Tree (Abelmoschus manihot)
Regular price $19.95Tropical Supergreen with Stunning Blooms and Deep Cultural Roots
Sea Salad Tree, known around the world by names like Aibika, Edible Hibiscus, South Sea Salad, Sunset Muskmallow, is a tropical perennial celebrated for its lush, nutritious leaves and striking hibiscus-like flowers. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, this plant has been a staple in traditional diets and gardens for centuries. Its tender leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and protein, making it a valuable addition to any edible landscape. Beyond its culinary appeal, Sea Salad Tree boasts large, pale-yellow flowers with deep maroon centers, attracting pollinators and adding ornamental beauty to gardens.
Why You'll Love It:
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Leaves are high in vitamins A and C, iron, and protein.
- Culinary Versatility: Use in salads, soups, or as a spinach substitute.
- Ornamental Beauty: Large, showy flowers enhance garden aesthetics.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional staple in Southeast Asian and Pacific Island diets.
- Easy to Grow: Thrives in warm climates with minimal care.
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 |
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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