Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Hibiscus cannabinus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour like sorrel. — Young leaves - cooked.; Used as a potherb or added to soups.; The leaves have an acid flavour like sorrel.; Seed - roasted or ground into a flour and made into a kind of cake.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 6)