Hibiscus International #7

Fall has arrived in the northern hemisphere, so it’s time for all our below-the-equator members to step in and help out with the cause. It was cool for a few days, but now it’s hot again, so I have until Thanksgiving to get everything inside and protected from the frost. The weather has been so crazy this year, it’s difficult to predict exactly when that first really big snap will come. I guess I just need to watch out for Nadeen’s snow goose on her way to see Marcos in Brazil.

It’s been a great first year, and I’ve learned a lot about my favorite flower. At least, I can raise some nice seedlings, and now I have to keep them safe until spring. That won’t be difficult at all. I’m use to sleeping in a jungle during the winter months. I was not successful in any of my own hybridizing efforts, but thanks to Allan, Bob, Mervin, Nadeen, Gloria, Dick, Anna, and Marcos, my collection has really taken on an international flavor. International and tropical! What a great combination!

For now, let’s all be thankful for the goodness that has been provided us and consider ourselves fortunate to have so many friends around the world. Life is great. The International Hibiscus Society has made mine so much more enjoyable and rewarding. From a small group, we have grown into a highly recognizable force within the hibiscus world community. I’m very pleased to be a part of this.

Well, the IHS is now entering its second year, and we are over 160 members strong. During this period we have had four photo contests. The winning entries in each category are permanently set up on our web site, and each member who provided the best of show entry has received a genuine cultured Tahitian black pearl. This is perhaps our most interactive activity, but we have others. The “Hybridizer’s Corner” section has grown and now has over 100 member seedling photos. This section will eventually house a great deal of info, visual and otherwise, providing considerable insight for those who are interested in hybridizing. And, for those who simply like to see beautiful blooms, these are unique in the world in that they aren’t yet in distribution and the only place you will see them is in this section. The initial photo uploads for the “Hibiscus Archives” are now complete, and we will begin work on the cv info. The H. rosa-sinensis archive contains over 600 varieties, the H. species archives has a couple of dozen entries making it one of the most complete of its kind and Mystery Archive has another couple of dozens photos. This has been a group effort and many of you will find your photos in these archives for which you have been given photos credit. Should anyone find errors, please do report them so that they can be corrected. We would like this to become an authoritative reference source so accuracy is important. Even though only the initial uploads have been undertaken, this represents a massive amount of work, and there are certain to be many rectifications. Moreover, we welcome any cv info anyone reading this might be able to provide. It is such info that will make this archive unique in being more than just a pictorial guide to the wondrous world of hibiscus. Our other, and perhaps most important undertaking has been “Hibiscus International,” and Damon Veach, our editor, has been doing a marvelous job of keeping the articles and info coming. There is perhaps no other hibiscus periodical with more info, and most importantly it will be available for future reference on our web site for all to access now and well into the future. All issues are not presently on the web site, as we are reconsidering the format. Once this has been decided by the Board, all back issues will be uploaded. With so much to do and so little time to attend to such things, I feel we have accomplished a great deal. We still have projects pending, i.e., the IHS HOTY and Membership programs, but these will be finalized as time permits. In the meantime, this is your society so your ideas and participation are of course welcome at any time. You can consult the web site under Statutes and find the e-mail addresses of the various board members so that you can communicate with one of them directly concerning such things. Good things continue at the IHS.

(This series is being compiled by Colleen Keena from Queensland, Australia, Kristin Yanker-Hansen from California, USA, and Marcos Capelini from São Paulo, Brazil. We hope you can share your experiences of growing the featured plants so that we can all learn more about growing mallows in varied locations.)

The Malvaceae family has a number of food plants. One of these is Abelmoschus esculentus, or okra. It is best known for its mucilaginous seedpods which are fried or used to thicken soups and stews. However, this is a true multipurpose plant with edible leaves, flowers, seedpods and mature seeds. It is an annual and is very heat tolerant and relatively free from pests. By carefully picking lower leaves it is possible to get a good crop of leaves and of seedpods from the same plants. The seeds are toasted, ground and used as a substitute for coffee.

There is another multipurpose Abelmoschus, although it is generally not as well known as okra. This plant, Abelmoschus manihot, is grown for its leaves and for its large flowers.

As Abelmoschus manihot occurs in tropical Asia and in northern Queensland, it grows best in tropical and subtropical regions since it is frost tender. However, although it is a perennial, it can be grown as an annual in temperate areas, flowering well in the first year and setting seed.

Abelmoschus manihot has a single central stem to 2m and short sparse branches. It grows very quickly. Cuttings taken in spring can reach over 2 metres by autumn in sub-tropical areas. It is a hardy plant, which prefers a sunny aspect with rich, moist, well- drained soil.

The plants may naturalize. Plants grow well in an ornamental vegetable garden, and this may not only add to the appearance of the garden but may also make it easier to ensure that the plant does not naturalize.

The large, up to 15 cm (6 inches) hibiscus-like flowers are a brilliant lemon with deep purple centres borne on long pedicels at the apex of the plant. Flowers are produced in the warmer months. The flowers are pollinated by insects. Petals can be added to salads or cooked.

While the large yellow flowers are very ornamental, the importance of this plant is that it is one of the world's most nutritious leafy vegetables because of its high protein content. The leaves are tender and sweet and can be served raw or steamed (leaffor life).

There are 16 references to the use of Abelmoschus manihot as a vegetable in the Agricola database 1970-1996:

It can produce up to 60 tons of leaves per hectare using a multiple harvest system.

There can be big differences in leaf shape, colour and production and flavour but leaves are usually palmate, about 10 cm (4 inches) across. In Papua New Guinea, plants are propagated from stem cuttings with harvesting commencing 2 - 3 months after planting and continuing for 1-2 years, and the young leaves are picked and are cooked in coconut cream or water. They are also fried. Leaves may be added to soups. Blanched leaves can be added to salads. The leaves make a tasty addition to an omelette.

Seeds germinate more quickly if nicked or abraded by rubbing with an emery board. Note: Handle pods with care. Soaking the seed overnight may assist germination:

Seed can be sown at the beginning of spring, in a warm greenhouse if necessary. The seed should germinate within two weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be pricked out into individual pots and planted out after the last expected frosts. If growing from seed, there may have been an emphasis on developing superior flowers and the leaves and young shoots may not make a delicious vegetable. If a plant is grown and the leaves are not tasty, the large lemon flowers can still be used to decorate salads.

Plants will tolerate occasional short-lived lows down to about -5°c so long as they are in a very well-drained soil. They can be grown in Zones 7A to 10A in the United States.

Elliot, W.R. and Jones, D.I. (1980-1988) Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation, Volume 2, Lothian, Melbourne.

Hale, P. Williams, B. (1977) Liklik Buk. The Melanesian Council of Churches, Wirui Press, Papua New Guinea.

Williams, K. 1979: Native Plants of Queensland, Vol. 1, Cranbrook Press, Qld IMAGE

AGIS Home Page Phytochemicals of Abelmoschus manihot Chemical Part Amount (ppm) Low (ppm) High (ppm) ASH Leaf 16,100 138,793
CALCIUM Leaf 724 6,241
COPPER Leaf 2.5 21.5
FAT Leaf 17,700 152,586
GLYCOLIPIDS Plant 5,504 47,448
IRON Leaf 33 284
MAGNESIUM Leaf 564, 4,862
PHOSPHOLIPIDS Plant 5,310 45,775
PROTEIN LEAF 22,000 190,000
WATER Leaf Amount ppm 884,000
ZINC Leaf 12.5 108

(Photos for this article were furnished by Colleen Keena.)

Checking Out Our Web Site:

To view our IHS website which includes Statute, Getting To Know You, Hibiscus Cultivar Archive, Articles, Member Activities, Sponsors, IHS Recommended Links and other related items, click on our permanent domain name address:

All articles and pictures for publication in “Hibiscus International” should be submitted to Damon Veach, Editor, P.O. Box 44370, Capitol Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 or by e-mail: bookman@intersurf.com. Items are already in place for the next issue, so if your submittals are not used immediately, they will be stored for later use. All members are urged to participate.

Living in South Florida has its advantages. First of all, the weather can’t be better for growing hibiscus unless I lived in Queensland. But since I live in the peninsula of flowers instead of the Land of Oz, I get to look at flowers almost year round. In fact, it is a rare day that I cannot spot at least a garden variety somewhere in Miami, Florida.

After falling for the Queen of the Tropics, I found that it was also a good place to meet the people who grow the flowers and found that the availability of cultivars could keep me in flowers for quite some time. Generally, garden varieties are available in most garden centers but if you want a beautiful cultivar, there are a few good places to stop and shop.

Early on I discovered that the people involved with showing, growing and loving our Queen also were a valuable asset to tap for information and growing tips. One of the best ways to get an idea of what is available as a cultivar is to search the Internet and view pictures of what is available. The downside is finding out that the cultivar is no longer available or that it was not available in your area. One picture did me in. The first time I laid my eyes on Fifth Dimension, that was it!

Well, there are individuals who photograph flowers and then there is Frank Renault. And you can’t talk about Frank and his long-time love of hibiscus without mentioning his wife Myra, who is instrumental when it comes to show photography. The combination of these hibiscus lovers’ vision for the Queen of the Tropics would be a hibiscus lover’s dream. Their pictures make you want that flower!

Frank became a member of the AHS in 1967-8. His first office was with the Seedling Evaluation Committee from 1971-74. Frank and Myra married in 1980 and in that year, she joined the AHS. In 1995, Frank was voted President of the Miami Chapter and then in 1996, he joined the Publication Committee for the National AHS. Myra was the National AHS Editor for the Seed Pod and since 1998 has been the editor for the Miami Chapter newsletter, “Hibiscus Happenings.” Myra became a senior judge in 1991, and since 1998 she has held the post of Show Chairman. In 1999 she was on the Show & Rules judging Committee.

Over the years, the Renaults have registered 15 seedlings. The number of flowers is low, because Frank is very choosy on what he will register. With many years of exhibition under his belt, this is indeed an individual who has a connoisseur’s eye developed for the Queen of the Tropics. Frank has been photographing hibiscus for many years and has sent contributions to hibiscus publications for years, so he knows what it takes to recognize a great flower. Myra is equally as choosy, so one may ask what attributes a registered seedling would require to be chosen for this honor. Frank will tell you that an attractive flower has to have a good bush. Without this winning combination, many seedlings go by the wayside. Some of their favorite seedlings are Harvest Glow, Navajo Blanket, Val d’Isere, Sweet Rose, Ruthie, Golden Ring, and Minuet. In the early 1970s, Frank came in 4th place for Hibiscus of the Year with Mushroom. This coveted honor is hard to come by, and in 2000 the Renaults came in 3rd place with Silver Charm. By far, this is their favorite seedling. It is a nice flower with a good bush and a beautiful delicate pink color. Frank and Myra consider it an honor to have Silver Charm selected as a contender for HOTY.

When I asked Frank what his favorite cultivar of all time might be, I asked him to pick one. Frank stated that there is a 4-way tie and that he could not narrow it down to just one. Oh Frank, I know the feeling! These 4 must have hibiscus are Harvest Moon, Herm Geller, Fifth Dimension and Anna Elizabeth.

If you want to try your hand at hybridizing, Frank suggests Sweet Violet and Sweetheart. He considers them multi-seed setters, and he has grown his share of seedlings. Over the years, he has grown over 2,000 seedlings. Considering that Harry Goulding would grow 2,000 a year, this number is small but Frank has enjoyed some beauties in his yard.

Seven years ago, Frank took over as photographer for the American Hibiscus Society Slide Bank. Before Frank’s tenure, the slides were kept in a Winn Dixie grocery bag and many were lost in this manner. As photographer for the AHS, he can combine his two hobbies. I think Frank’s legacy to hibiscus lovers everywhere is the AHS Collectors Edition CD Rom he has just completed. For the last 2-3 years, Frank has planned and collected selections for this virtual album of cultivars. Once the planning and collecting phases were finished, it took four months to compile the CD. And let me tell you, this important contribution is well worth the $10 selling price. There are over 2,500 images for the last 50 years of hibiscus culture. It is a lovely CD and beautifully presented. Frank has an article titled “Hibiscus Photography” in the 1969 first edition of the AHS Handbook.

His many years exhibiting have been enjoyable due to meeting and working with people in the hibiscus world. I decided to introduce you to the Renaults because this is their last season exhibiting and growing hibiscus. The Renaults have bought a home in Viriginia and will be moving there in May of 2002. Maybe he will build a greenhouse and start a Viriginia Chapter of the AHS. The two of them sure have the experience and the knowledge to do so.

Before letting them go, I asked for some advice for amateurs. Frank suggested becoming a subscriber to a publication such as “The Seed Pod” so you can familiarize yourself with the cultivars that are winning and acquiring these for your collection. The second piece of advice is to use Fuji Velvia slide film for pictures. Frank uses electronic flash but this film is also great with natural light. If you see Frank’s lovely pictures, you can see that for a photographer this is a good tip.

We will miss the Renaults when they move to colder regions and hopefully the lure of the Queen of the Tropics sending her siren’s call across the miles will remind them that you can move but she will always be part of your heart. Like the song of the mermaid, the Queen beckons, and we always follow her.

The mysterious flower genie walked through her enchanted garden one morning in search for the special gift. The clouds overhead cleared and she beheld her gems of many colors in the early morning sunlight.

Rows upon rows of gems in jewel tones vied for her personal attention. The choice became difficult from the sheer numbers and riotous rainbow colored gems begging to be chosen. This gift was intended for an emissary to a King of a land to the North. The gem she chose would have to be subtle and understated and full of grace.

The morning dew had dampened her garments by the time she finally stopped in front of a gem so subtle, so charming and graceful that she knew she had found the appropriate gift. With a gentle gesture she sent a silver beam of light and the gem floated onto her outstretched hand.

From the chronicles of the mysterious flower genie from the peninsula of flowers- Silver Charm.

August and September 2001

The IHS has completed the first of what I am sure will be many years of Caring and Sharing with hibiscus enthusiasts the world over. What started out as a small group of individuals with an idea has grown to a membership of over 160 people with more people joining our happy family every month.

When the BOD started their first term there was much to do. Now a year later, there is not as much demand on our time. However, your BOD is still striving to improve to make a “good thing” even better. Thanks to comments from our members we hope to continue to strive for an ever-progressive IHS.

The Photo Contest has been a popular activity for our members and each contest sees an increase in the number of photos entered. The addition of the Photos segment on the main IHS Yahoo Group site has given us the opportunity to present all the entries in each category as a slide show. This enables our members to view all the photographs and vote on their choices without leaving the site as well as the option of viewing the photos on the IHS web site at:

The web site has also seen some additions and we now have the Hybridizer’s Corner, where photos of our members’ seedlings can be seen. The Archives are nearly completed and will be a useful tool for anyone wanting to see an array of hibiscus from around the world, check the parentage, size of bloom and other relevant information. I don’t believe you’ll find another site that contains this type of representation from so many nations.

To our wonderful members, please keep your comments and suggestions coming. The IHS is your society and it is the members who determine the road we travel.