Beach Hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Talipariti tiliaceum or commonly known as Beach Hibiscus is an evergreen shrub or small tree characterized by low and spreading branches, heart-shaped leaves, and bright yellow with red center flowers that become orange then red over time. It grows about 10 m tall and 15 cm in trunk diameter. The flowers are edible raw or cooked. The leaves can be fermented into a sauce or boiled to make Onge tea. Young leaves and green bark can also be eaten.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Flowers - raw or cooked. They can be cooked as a potherb. The flowers are produced all year round. Leaves. — Flowers - raw or cooked.; They can be cooked as a potherb.; The flowers are produced all year round.; They can be fermented into a sauce, used as a substrate for the tempeh starter culture, or boiled in salted water to make the beverage known as Onge tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Found throughout the tropics, often on beaches, saline swamps and disturbed places. Sometimes forms nearly impenetrable thickets, especially along the sides of streams. (Zone 10)