Tulip Tree; Portia Tree; Pacific Rosewood (Thespesia populneoides)

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

Thespesia populneoides, or commonly known as Beach Yellow Hibiscus or Pacific Rosewood, is a vigorous shrub or small tree with a dense and broad crown and short and often crooked trunk. It reaches a height of about 20 m and a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. It is commonly found in coastal regions of the Indian Ocean from Africa to India and Sri Lanka. Established plants are highly tolerant to drought and strong winds.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Flowers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

This species is doubtfully distinct from Thespesia populnea, and so should have the same uses as detailed below:- Young leaves - raw or cooked. Eaten as a vegetable, they can also be boiled or added to soups. — This species is doubtfully distinct from Thespesia populnea, and so should have the same uses as detailed below:- Young leaves - raw or cooked.; Eaten as a vegetable, they can also be boiled or added to soups.; Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked.; Fruits - preserved and eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky coasts and occasionally on the inland edge of mangrove swamp. (Zone 10)