Beach Hibiscus, Sea Hibiscus, Cottontree, Mahoe

Talipariti tiliaceum

Physical Characteristics

Talipariti tiliaceum is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Birds. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Pantropical.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Flowers - raw or cooked. They can be cooked as a potherb[301 ]. The flowers are produced all year round[302 ]. Leaves[301 ]. 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[301 ]. The young leaves are eaten in times of famine[307 ]. The green bark is eaten in times of famine[307 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antitussive Febrifuge Laxative Ophthalmic Poultice The flowers and the sap of the plant are widely utilized in a variety of medicines[302 ]. The flowers are laxative[307 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used to aid in the delivery of a child[311 ]. Postpartum discharges are treated with an infusion of the leaves[311 ]. The leaves are used in treating coughs and sore throats[311 ]. They are made into a paste and used as a poultice for sores, cuts, open wounds, boils and swellings[311 ]. The bark and leaves of H. tiliaceus are used medicinally, especially to relieve coughs, sore throats and tuberculosis[303 ]. In Tonga, the bark and the young leaves are used to treat skin diseases[311 ]. The bark, on its own, is used in treating eye infections and injuries, and stomach-aches[311 ]. An infusion of the bark is taken three times if the placenta is retained after the birth of the child[311 ]. The fluid from the bark is used to promote menstruation[311 ]. The Cook Island Maoris use the bark, together with coconut bark or husk, to make an infusion used for bathing fractures[311 ]. In Fiji, the leaves are wrapped around fractured bones and sprained muscles[311 ]. Juice from the leaves is used in treating gonorrhoea[311 ]. Acetone extracts from the leaves of H. tiliaceus showed antibacterial activity[303 ]. A treatment made from the leaves, roots and bark is given for fever[311 ].

Known Hazards

None known