Hibiscus hispidissimus Griffith

Scientific Name: Hibiscus hispidissimus Griffith

Family:  Malvaceae (Mallow Or Hibiscus Family)

Vernacular name: Anicham, Kalapoo, Matthippuli, Mupparacham, Naranambuli, Panachol, Panichakam, Pachapuli, Uppanachakam (Malayalam)

Tribal name: Paruthiyila (Paniya), Pulichapu(Kuruma)

Habit: Undershrub

Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution: Paleotropics

Tribal consumers: Paniya, Kuruma

Parts Used: Leaf (After cooking)

Seasonal Availability: September-March

Key identification features: Rambling or climbing shrubs with prickly stems, petioles, and pedicels. Leaves lobed or angled, coarsely serrate with acuminate apex. Yellow flowers with deep purple centers, in axillary solitary clusters. Fruit ovoid or conical capsule, bristly hairy.